National Wild Turkey Foundation Chapters Throughout U.S. Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
OutdoorHub 09.25.11
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF chapters across the nation are gearing up for Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and JAKES outreach events, that are being held Saturday, Sept. 24 to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day.
NWTF chapters introduce about 100,000 youth under age 18, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors every year through these outreach programs. To find local events, visit www.nwtf.org and click on a state’s information.
The NWTF believes introducing new people to hunting helps preserve our hunting heritage. Hunters are the driving force behind conservation in the U.S. and by ensuring that hunting remains a viable activity, the NWTF is helping to guarantee the future of conservation.
JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sporstmanship) is the NWTF’s education and outreach program for members 12 and younger. The JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Xtreme JAKES is for teens 13 to 17 years old, and provides opportunities and challenges more in-line with older JAKES members’ abilities and experiences. JAKES Takes Aim is a new program to the NWTF that brings shooting sports to local communities for children to experience through the use of portable trailers.
“The NWTF’s JAKES, Xtreme JAKES and JAKES Take Aim outreach programs offer ample opportunities for youth to learn about conservation and connect with the outdoors,” said NWTF Education Director Christine Rolka. “The NWTF is working to increase youth participation in outdoor pursuits — especially hunting and fishing — that will educate and entertain a new generation of conservation-minded citizens.”
The Wheelin’ Sportsmen outreach program provides outdoor recreational opportunities to people with disabilities. Whether it is shooting, hunting, fishing or archery, there is no limit to the outdoor opportunities the Wheelin’ Sportsmen program can bring to a person with disabilities who’s eager to get outside and participate in an active lifestyle.
The Women in the Outdoors program sponsors events across the country using experts and trained professionals to teach outdoor skills to women in a noncompetitive and nonthreatening environment. The Women in the Outdoors program helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation.
