Cherokee County Pheasants Forever Youth Mentor Hunt

Recently the Cherokee County Chapter of Pheasants Forever held its annual youth mentor hunt. Pictured above are area youth along with their mentors from Pheasants Forever. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

This last weekend the Cherokee County Chapter of Pheasants Forever held its annual youth mentor hunt. This hunt is sponsored annually by Mark and Pam Pierce of Cherokee.

Pictured from left to right: Dallas Boger, Derek West, and Jared Conover. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

Youth from the area were invited to come have a day outside with area mentors. The youth were instructed on gun safety, ethics of hunting, and treatment of the land. The youth were split into groups with several mentors and sent into the field. They had the opportunity to hunt on private gaming land with their mentors and their bird dogs.

After hunting, the youth were instructed on how to clean their own birds and were allowed to take them home. After finishing the bird cleaning, everyone was provided lunch. The lunches were donated by Hy-vee of Cherokee and Chesterman Bottling Company of Aurelia. The day was made a complete success by Mark Pierce and all of the wonderful volunteers who mentored. Those who mentored said they had as much fun as the youth that attended. Cherokee County Pheasants Forever wants the youth to get outdoors as well as be educated on safety, ethics, and land preservation. On Sunday, Oct. 4 the Cherokee County Pheasants Forever will hold their annual youth shoot day.

This is another event where youth can get outside for some fresh air and have some fun. This is a free event where any youth aged 12-18 (boy or girl) can participate. Everyone will be served lunch and prizes will be given away. If anyone has a question or needs directions, they can call Greg Eaton at 225-2414.

Mentors Greg Eaton, Pete Snapp, and Phillip Kindwall demonstrate bird cleaning. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

Youth, from left to right: Nate Fowler, Josh Haupert, and Marshall Stief. Mentors. from left to right: Kevin Fowler, Jason VanVactor, and Tim Haupert. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

Pictured front row left to right: Veitor, Nate Laursen, Will Veitor, Mitchell West, and Nick Benningsdorf. Back row: Mentors Ginger Walker and Kevin Benningsdorf. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

Pictured left to right: Hunter Eaton, Kaitlan Kennebeck, Caleb Smith, and Jacob Kindwall. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]