The 5th annual Black Ash Sportsman Club junior pheasant hunt was a great success. Our event was held on Saturday, October 14 and there were 17 hunters that participated (out of 19 registered). Following a pre-hunt meeting and safety briefing in the clubhouse, the young hunters were then organized into 6 groups and led outside where they met their guides and dog handlers for the morning. An optional clay target practice was offered to all prior to heading out.

Despite some early fog, the skies eventually cleared and gave way to near perfect conditions. Hunts were held on local public and private properties (approved by the Game Commission) and lasted until late morning. Many of the hunters had shooting opportunities and harvested birds and all of the hunters learned and had fun. Following the hunts, all participants and their parents/mentors were treated to a hearty lunch in the club picnic pavilion. We even had a short visit from new area Game Commission WCO Jason Amory who had a chance to observe one of the hunts held on the club grounds and meet with a few of the junior hunters.

Thanks to our many volunteers who made this year’s event possible:

Dog Handlers: Al Hudock, Earl Smith, Bill McFeely, Duane Koller, Jason Reece, and Gary Glunt. The handlers and their dogs did an awesome job working the fields and creating opportunities for the hunters.

Lunch: Earl, Raytha and Steve Smith. Thanks for a really well prepared and tasty lunch.

Landowner: Keith Smith – Granted us permission to use a few of his fields to conduct hunts on.

Field and Club Volunteers: Mark, Janet and Joe Weber

T-Shirts: Molly Smith

Also, thanks to the Black Ash board of directors for their continued support of the program.

Rob Schriner Junior Hunt Coordinator