The fierce snow storms that struck Elgin County on November 23 and 24th may have played havoc for area drivers, but they created ideal conditions for the first annual Ontario Stewardship Council Youth Pheasant Hunt on November 26th.
The day dawned bright and sunny with just an errant snow flake flying, as some 36 area youth apprentice hunters (boys and girls) took to the fields of the Fingal Wildlife Management Area for an introductory pheasant hunt. Coordinated by the Ontario Stewardship council, the event was the epitome of a collaborative effort. With assistance from such diverse groups as; The Ministry of Natural Resources, Elgin Retriever Club, Order of Good Cheer, East Elgin Sportsmen’s Association, St. Thomas Gun club with corporate sponsorship by Huron Tractor, Strieb Pheasantry and Gobles Gun and Tackle, this event was a great opportunity for these groups to work together.
All participants were graduates of the M.N.R’s apprentice hunting program, and were each accompanied on an individual basis by mentor hunters with years of experience. Prior to engaging in the hunt a presentation was conducted by the conservation officers of the M.N.R. which included an exiting demonstration from their canine unit and a discussion of various hunting laws and ethics with the conservation officers.
This was followed by a chance to hone their shooting skills on the trap range. An educational contest on wildlife silhouette identification put their hunting knowledge to the test.
The kids were then divided into several teams of 4 or 5 along with their mentors, a safety marshal and one or two dog handlers. The teams then ventured out to the fields where they separated into pre-established zones to try their hand with the birds. Naturally at all times safety was paramount, but so was some good natured fun spending time with Dad, or perhaps a Grandfather or Uncle for an exciting morning or afternoon adventure. All of the kids were at least able to get off a shot with many youth bagging up to three ring neck pheasant. The dogs were
kept very busy flushing and retrieving birds to the delight of all concerned. At times it seemed the dogs were having as much fun as the hunters.
Then it was back to the base camp for a wonderful lunch of sandwiches and pheasant of course plus some much needed hot chocolate. The participants were then treated to a demonstration of field dressing pheasant before they headed home with many happy stories to tell family and friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
It is hoped that this will become an annual event providing a memorable introduction to the sport of pheasant hunting and enjoying the great outdoors.
