Youth Event for Pre-Hunt Age Level

MILFORD – Area youth between the ages of 8 and 12 are eligible to participate in the Aug. 20 introductory format educational sportsmanship program sponsored by the Pike County Branch of Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). A member of the Navasing Long Rifles will also give a presentation during the day about the history of military and frontier style hunting.

Youth will learn about the four most common hunting methods: archery, muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle. Certified instructors will be present at all four stations. Safety gear will be provided for participants.

Leonard Boyer, PA Game Commission game lands 180 maintenance supervisor at Shohola Falls, is a member of the Navasing Long Rifles based in Jeffersonville, N.Y. The living historians authentically portray colonists, militia, woodsmen and Native Americans during the French and Indian Wars and the American Revolution. His presentation is about early pioneers and hunting methods.

The program will also review the biology of deer, importance of habitat sustainability, and being prepared in the field during various weather conditions. At the end of the day, informative material will be handed out that includes additional details about deer behavior, and managing deer health and their environment.

The deadline to register for this first annual youth event is Aug. 12, and the program is limited to the first 25 boys and girls that sign up. A rain date for the event has been set for Aug. 21.

Participants in the one-day program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be held on private land in Pike County must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 18 or older. The fee for participants is $10 to cover expenses, and the accompanying adult attends free. Participants must bring their own lunch, but beverages will be provided.

For additional information about this QDMA first annual educational youth event, call Teresa at 570-686-7611, or Scott at 570-241-1188.

To register, send your names (participant and adult), address, phone number, email address, and check or money order for $10 to: Pike County QDMA, HC 1 Box 1323, Egypt Rd., Tafton, PA 18464.

To learn more about QDMA and local activities to benefit whitetail deer health and habitat, visit the website www.QDMAPikeCountyPa.com