JAKES/Canvasback Field Day Planned at El Dorado, Arkansas

The Union County Limbhangers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Riverbottom Chapter of Delta Waterfowl will host a JAKES/Canvasback Club field day full of outdoor activities Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Malloy Sportsmen’s Club in El Dorado. JAKES, which stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of the country’s natural resources.

The field day will provide opportunities for youths to experience the outdoors through hands-on events, education, fellowship and family fun. Those attending the JAKES field day will learn about safe firearms handling and have a chance to hone their shooting skills during a trapshooting tournament. While admission is free, there will be a $15 fee to enter the tournament. In addition, the NWTF JAKES Take Aim BB gun range will be open to everyone.

The event will also focus on conservation and outdoor recreation, with expert instructors like Kelly Haydel of Haydel Game Calls. Haydel will teach a duck and turkey calling seminar beginning at 11 a.m. By teaching important outdoor skills and lessons in wildlife management tied into a strong family-values theme and an emphasis on fun, the events keep kids interested while learning.

“Wood ducks usually begin to nest in February” said T.J. Wilson, chair of Union County Limbhangers. “With the help of the Riverbottom Chapter of Delta Waterfowl and the kids that participate, we hope to complete 100 wood duck boxes which will be installed in the south Arkansas area as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this critical nesting period.”

“I’m pretty pumped about this event. I think this, and events like this, that allow kids to get away from their video games and violent movies and back into the outdoors are critical to passing on our southern roots” said Riverbank Products owner and NWTF Committee member Chris Porter. “This event will teach kids to ‘get up and go’ and to share an interest in something bigger than themselves like helping others, friendly competition, and wildlife conservation in a fun, safe environment.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays an important role in keeping The Natural State true to its name. During the last 100 years, the agency has overseen the protection, conservation and preservation of various species of fish and wildlife in Arkansas. This is done through habitat management, fish stocking, hunting and fishing regulations, and a host of other programs.