Youth invited to free mentor hunt

Plymouth County Pheasants Forever is offering a free youth mentor hunt this weekend to anyone ages 12-15.

Youth can sign up to hunt Saturday, Sunday or both days. Dogs and dog handlers will be provided as needed for free.

"We want to give kids experience in the outdoors, experience pheasant hunting," said Mike Slota of Pheasants Forever. "We provide a safe environment and education about how to hunt birds so they can do it the right way."

Saturday's hunt will be at the hunting preserve west of Hinton, and Sunday's event will be on land near the Hole N' the Wall Hunting Lodge near Akron.

Both days, youth can meet at the Le Mars Sportsman's Club -- at 7 a.m. Saturday and 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Youth in the hunt need to have completed a hunter safety course, and Pheasants Forever asks that they be accompanied by a parent or guardian if possible.

Breakfast and lunch both days will be provided, with the Pork Producers grilling pork brats Saturday for the event.

Schlesser Taxidermy will sponsor one free pheasant mount for the event as well.

Preregistration for the youth hunt is encouraged. Those interested can call Slota at 712-786-2420.

People willing to volunteer their dogs or their services as dog handlers and guides are also welcome for either day.

The event coincides with Iowa's youth hunt weekend.