Craig Daily Press / Safari Club, Motherwell Ranch, DOW host youth pheasant hunt

Archive for Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Mike Swaro, Colorado Division of Wildlife/Courtesy Photo. Enlarge photo.

Participants in a Sept. 26 youth pheasant hunt pose with their take for the day before later cleaning their birds. Safari Club International, the Motherwell Ranch and the Division of Wildlife coordinated the youth event.

By Craig Daily Press Staff Report

October 6, 2009

Mike Swaro, Colorado Division of Wildlife/Courtesy Photo

Natasha Sloan poses with her pheasants after a successful hunt.

After hunting pheasants for the better part of a day on Motherwell Ranch, local youths learned there is more to hunting than shooting.

Safari Club International and the Motherwell Ranch teamed up with the Division of Wildlife on Sept. 26 to host a free youth pheasant hunt at the ranch grounds.

The day began with lessons in firearm safety, as a dozen would-be hunters from Craig and the surrounding area shot at clays targets.

Professional guides with trained pointing dogs led the actual hunt.

The dogs were busy most of the day - every one of the children involved harvested at least one bird.

Afterward, organizers sat down with the young hunters and taught them pheasant biology and proper cleaning techniques.

Everything used throughout the day was sponsored by the event hosts and was free of charge to participants, including a catered lunch.

Those interested in sponsoring a youth hunt, or in offering their property for small game or big game youth hunts, can contact the DOW Meeker Officer at 878-6090.

Local DOW officials thanked the Safari Club and Motherwell Ranch for interest in tomorrow's hunters and providing a unique opportunity.