Here's How to Learn About the Great Outdoors and Our Hunting Heritage

What's the perfect way to introduce your kids to the great outdoors and our hunting heritage?

I'm not sure I have the perfect answer to that question, but as a turkey hunter and a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, there is one way kids of all ages seem to enjoy and that's JAKES DAY.

JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) DAY will take place from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at Black Hawk Park in Cedar Falls. The event is sponsored by the Northeast Iowa Long Beards, our local chapter of the NWTF.

The day's events will include:

    * Gun safety by the Cedar Falls Police Department.

    * Hunting and Fishing presentation by the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources

    * Turkey Hunting Exhibit by the NE Iowa Long Beards

    * Bow Hunting Exhibit by Jon Bernard of the NEI Long Beards

    * Archery Demostrations and shoot with Delta Decoys of Dike

    * Gun Target Shooting: BB-guns to Shotguns with NEI Long Beards

    * Prizes and Awards

JAKE'S Day is open to all kids age 5 to 15. Cost for the entire day is $15 per child, and includes all events, plus:  NWTF Jake's Membership and Magazine subscription, Jake's Day t-shirt, lunch and awards.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event, at the shelter next to the gun range in Black Hawk Park. Parents are welcome to join in with their child or children if they want, and we encourage parents to participate with their child if possible.

This is our 10th year of hosting Jake's Day, and in my opinion it is the perfect way for kids and parents to learn about hunting and just being a part of these great outdoor activities. For more information, give me a call on my cell phone at (319) 404-8725, or send me an email at: dgowans@connectingyou.com.