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Darke County Pheasants Forever - Youth Page

Darke County Pheasants Forever - Youth Page

Ohio's Next Pheasant Hunters

Welcome to the next generation in conservation and pheasant hunting enthusiasts. In efforts to help our younger generation play a larger role in our efforts to conserve and provide habitat for upland game, our chapter provides today's youth with opportunities to learn about what Pheasants Forever is truly about. Ohio provides conservation educational materials, safety of firearms and mentor youth hunts for those kids who may not have the same opportunities as most. Take a moment and read about our youth events or find out how you can become a key component of helping future Pheasants Forever Members.

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2019 Camp Canopy

2019 Camp Canopy

Darke County Pheasants Forever #675 is again offering three paid scholarships to Camp Canopy, formerly known as “The Ohio Youth Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp” and is sponsored by the Ohio Forestry Association.  The camp, scheduled for June 9 – 14, 2019 at F.F.A.Camp Muskingum near Carrollton, Ohio, is coeducational and is open to youth who have completed the eighth grade through 2018 High School graduates.  Applicants will learn about Ohio’s forests, wildlife, conservation, tree identification, and ecology plus availing numerous recreational activities.

 

Applications may be obtained online at The Ohio Forestry Association’s website (ohioforest.org) or at Darke Soil & Water Conservation District office, 1117 Southtowne Court, Greenville, Ohio 45331 (937) 548-1752.  Students wishing to apply for the scholarships are asked to submit two brief written statements indicating 1) what they anticipate learning by attending the camp, and 2) how attendance might impact their future career objectives. Applications may be turned in at Darke Soil & Water District or mailed to the above address.

 

Further information may be obtained at Ohio Forestry Association’s website (http://www.ohioforest.org/) or by contacting Daniel Francis, Darke County PF Youth Activities Coordinator, at (937) 564-3254. Historically, the camp reaches maximum enrollment early, so students are urged to submit their applications as soon as possible. 

Outdoor Classroom Grant

Outdoor Classroom Grant

Darke County Pheasants Forever #675 has proposed a grant to help provide funding for Darke County schools to implement outdoor learning areas on school grounds. An outdoor classroom is an outdoor area(s) including natural features (trees, grasslands, and/or water features) on the school grounds that provide hands-on learning opportunities and allows students of all ages to utilize multi-disciplinary skills including math, science, history, geography, language arts and physical exercise in a fun and exciting environment. These areas will also enhance the teacher’s ability to teach such subjects.

For more informaion contact: John Kaiser, (419) 336-5830

Hunting Safety Guidelines

Hunting Safety Guidelines

Hunting Safety Guidelines:

  • Always think “Safety First” it is the most important aspect of this hunt and every hunt.
  • ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOUR GUN IS POINTED. KEEP IT POINTED IN ASAFE DIRECTION.
  • If you have a question about the safety of a shot, DON’T TAKE THE SHOT!
  • You will have chances at other birds, but you do not have a chance to undo an unsafe shot.
  • All hunting participants must wear an orange vest. (An orange cap or hat is also recommended.)
  • Always know where the people and dogs in your hunting party are.
  • Your dog handler & hunting guide are in charge of your party. Listen carefully to them, and do as they instruct.
  • DO NOT LOAD YOUR GUNS UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR DOG HANDLER/GUIDE.
  • Anyone who is not paying attention or following instructions will be removed from the hunt.
  • NO ONE SHALL HAVE MORE THAN TWO SHELLS IN THEIR GUN AT ANY TIME.
  • Remember you will be shooting over dogs. Make sure to allow the bird to rise high enough so that the dog will not be in the line of fire.
  • If a bird does not rise, DON’T TAKE THE SHOT! There will be other shots.
  • Always identify your target before you shoot.
  • We will be shooting only Ringneck Roosters.
  • When a bird goes up, there is a lot of noise, a lot of excitement, and you feel that you have to shoot quickly. Your guides and mentors should help by shouting “Rooster” or “Hen”, and you really have more time than you think.
  • Remember that it is illegal to shoot hens, so if you are not sure, DON’T TAKE THE SHOT!
  • Let the dog make the retrieve. While the dog is retrieving, hunting ceases,
  • DON’T SHOOT AT ANYTHING ON THE GROUND!
  • No horseplay will be tolerated while in the hunting field.
  • Hunting should be enjoyable/fun, but not at the expense of safety.

ANYBODY WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW THE ABOVE
GUIDELINES WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE HUNT
IMMEDIATELY!


Let’s have a great hunt and above all… “Keep it safe!”

Annual Youth Mentor Pheasant Hunt

Annual Youth Mentor Pheasant Hunt

Darke County Pheasants Forever annually hosts a youth pheasant hunt in mid/late October. This is an excellent event for youth to participate in and enjoy a pheasant hunt, outdoor demonstrations, clay bird shooting, and many other outdoor activities.

The purpose of our Youth Pheasant Hunt is to instill in young people a lifelong enthusiasm and respect for hunting, and to teach hunter safety, hunter ethics, and the importance of wildlife habitat conservation by providing a complete and realistic upland bird hunting experience.

Any youth 12-16 years of age the day of the hunt with proof of hunter safety course completion and a valid Ohio hunting license, or in possession of an apprentice license are eligible to hunt. However, youth of all ages can attend to participate in other outdoor activities.

Youth Hunter Safety and Education

Youth Hunter Safety and Education

While we all like to have fun in the field and chase pheasants for miles, safety is one of the most important aspects. We promote and encourage hunter safety in the field. Through these classes and education we show both youth and adults the proper ways to hold, maneuver and proper gun care. Getting those who are not familiar with a gun, comfortable with handling their firearm so that they can enjoy their hunts successfully. For more information when or where our hunting safety classes can be found, please follow the links below.