Pheasants Forever youth skill day Sunday

Youth ages 12-18 can try their hand at an archery range and some mock-hunting situations, plus have a chance to enjoy the outdoors and sign up for door prizes at the Pheasants Forever Field Day.

The free event runs from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Le Mars Sportsman's Club.

"We need to get our youth involved in outdoor activities, and this is a great way of doing it," said Mike Slota, the Pheasants Forever board member in charge of the event. "We want them to experience nature first hand."

At the four-hour event, youth will get to practice archery, try a goose hunting situation, play a mock hunting game and practice with an indoor laser shoot.

Hot dogs and pop will be served throughout the day.

More than 40 door prizes will be awarded, ranging from gift certificates to gun cleaning kits to a sleeping bag.

The event is co-sponsored by the Pheasants Forever chapter and by the Le Mars Sportsman's Club.

"It's all about land conservation and wildlife, and just having them experience the outdoors," Slota said.

To participate, youth must have completed a hunter's safety course and earned their certificate.

Youth who aren't Ringneck members with Pheasants Forever yet, will also get to sign up for free that day.

Upcoming Pheasants Forever events are the Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, Sept. 18, and the Youth Hunt, Oct. 17-18.