The sounds of youthful laughter and eager bird dogs flushing pheasants will fill the crisp autumn air as young hunters learn not just how to shoot, but how to do so safely when the local Pheasants Forever hosts its annual Youth Pheasant Hunt Nov. 9.

The free youth hunt for ages 11-16 will be from 8 a.m.-noon.

“This event is part of Pheasants Forever Path to the Uplands program, designed to introduce young people to upland hunting and conservation,” Scott Thomasson, Smoky Hill River PF chapter member, said. “The hunt is located at the Central Kansas Prairie Shooters property southwest of Ellsworth.”

Kansas Wildlife and Parks and Pheasants Forever have teamed up

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for several years to provide local youth with a pheasant-hunting experience.

Thomasson, who is also the KDWP Wildlife Area Manager, said Pheasants Forever provides everything young hunters need: shotgun, shotgun shells, hearing and eye protection and hunter orange vests.

“If students have their own equipment, they are welcome to use it too,” he said.

The chapter encourages young hunters of all levels of experience to get involved.

“We get a range of participants, from youth who have never hunted or handled a shotgun, to more experienced young hunters. The goal is to provide a safe and exciting pheasant hunting experience,” Thomasson said. “Youth get to watch bird dogs go on point, roosters flush and the dogs retrieve them. They learn about the types of habitats where upland birds are more likely to be found, safe shotgun handling skills and spend the morning in the field with friends.”

The day’s activities generally follow this order:

• Hunting ethics and firearms safety talk by KDWP Game Warden Scott Skucius

• Simulated pheasant hunt using dummy guns from Thomasson prior to live fire or bird hunt

• Live shotgun instruction and practice shooting clay targets with PF volunteers prior to the bird hunt

• Live bird hunt with PF mentors guiding youth in small groups. PF mentors walk right behind the youth, providing direction and guidance.

• Bird cleaning and packaging instructions, thanks to former hunt participants who return to volunteer.

“We get started at 8 and usually finish around 1 p.m., with pizza provided by Pheasants Forever,” Thomasson said. “Ray Fisher brings several Brittany bird dogs. For many, the highlight is watching the bird dogs hunt. The old bird dogs are well-trained and as excited as the new hunters to be out chasing pheasants.

“We give preference to youth that have not participated in the hunt before, but at the end of each hunt, there are always several kids that want to sign up for the next year.”

Youth must preregister for the hunt and spaces are limited.

“I’d encourage anyone interested to contact Season Wacker to get on the list. She does all the pre-hunt sign ups and organization,” Thomasson said.

Smoky Hill River Pheasants Forever Chapter helpers include Justin and Season Wacker, Darin Holecek, Ryan Weber, Camille and Josh Beckman, Thomasson, Randy Kempke, Clancy Smith, Craig Batchman, Kendra Ploutz and Michael Daniels. Former youth hunters who come back to help include Caleb Hays, Trent Hays and Tucker Holt.

For more information, contact Season Wacker at 785-252-7263.

“Youth get to watch bird dogs go on point, roosters flush and the dogs retrieve them. They learn about the types of habitats where upland birds are more likely to be found, safe shotgun handling skills and spend the morning in the field with friends.”

Scott Thomasson

Smoky Hill River Pheasants Forever chapter member