8/26/2009
Changes in the format of the annual Outdoor Youth Challenge will allow more participation from youngsters to test their skills in hunting, fishing, and other activities, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. The Outdoor Youth Challenge is part of
West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, scheduled for September 26 and 27 at Stonewall Resort State Park in Lewis County.
“This celebration is one of the best outdoor recreation events held in West Virginia, with hands-on learning and instructional opportunities for youth and the entire family in celebrating West Virginia’s wildlife and outdoor heritage,” said Jezioro.
A major change instituted last year and continuing this year involves removing the competition factor in all the Outdoor Youth Challenge events, unless a youth requests to be competitively scored. Last year the result was more than 350 youngsters over the two-day weekend participating in approximately 20 different events, up substantially from previous years.
Any youth between 6 and 18 years of age may participate in the Outdoor Youth Challenge events. However, those youths 11-18 years of age who would like to compete will still be able to do so, with five scored competitive events which include casting for accuracy, archery, .22 rifle, muzzleloader and skeet shooting.
All youths who wish to participate must complete a free, on-site registration. They will be given a color-coded registration card with map showing the Outdoor Youth Challenge events. The Outdoor Youth Challenge will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. There will be approximately 25 events and each youth must complete at least 10 events to be eligible for prize drawings. Upon completion of each event, the youth’s registration card will be validated by the official overseeing that event.
Two types of registration will be offered for the Outdoor Youth Challenge. The first will be for those youths 6 to 18 years of age who would like to participate in the Youth Challenge event just for the fun and experience, but do not wish to compete. The second type of registration will be for youths 11-14 and 15-18 years of age who wish to compete in the scored events. The numerical score for the five scored competitive events will be recorded on the youth’s registration card. These youths, in addition to completing the scored events, must also complete at least five of the un-scored Youth Challenge events.
Again this year, the grand prizes are two lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. For those youths who want to compete in the five scored competitive events, a Junior Conservation Camp Scholarship (junior group ages 11-14) and a state Conservation Camp Scholarship (senior group ages 15-18) will be awarded each day. Many other quality prizes, dealing with hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities, will also be given away each day.
For more Outdoor Youth Challenge information call Shawn Head at 304-637-0245 or go to the Web site at: www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/Youth.shtm.
Contact Information
Shawn Head
304-637-0245
wildlife@wvdnr.gov