Brandon Boss Gobblers Chapter Hosts Its Largest JAKES Event
EDGEFIELD, SC – The NWTF Brandon Boss Gobblers Chapter recently hosted its JAKES event for the 15th year at the Garretson Gun Club near Garretson, South Dakota. The event was the largest JAKES Day since the chapter began hosting the event.
“Our committee enjoys the opportunity to share our love of the outdoor with these youth and others through our JAKES, WITO and Wheelin’ Sportsmen events,” said Eric Olson, Brandon Boss Gobblers Chapter treasurer.
Thirty-seven youth participants descended upon the NWTF JAKES event, enjoying five activity stations, including pistol range, shotgun range, rifle range, archery shooting and axe throwing. Each station offered a distinct learning opportunity, allowing the participants to hone their skills and broaden their outdoor knowledge.
The youth participants were in good hands, with 12 NWTF committee members, four dedicated volunteers and 13 scout leaders. Their presence ensured the smooth running of the event, provided guidance at the stations and maintained a safe environment.
"A number of those attending had never been exposed to some of the activities at the stations offered," said Michael Brown, South Dakota NWTF State Chapter volunteer. "It is great to see this event continue to engage our youth in a safe, fun and informative manner and help preserve our hunting heritage.”
Many of the participants were positively impacted by the event and signed up to be NWTF JAKES members.
Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youths 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, and teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety.
For $10 a year, JAKES receive a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.
In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species.
The NWTF has dedicated staff, volunteers and partners seeking to introduce nonhunters to the outdoor lifestyle and to share in the greater conservation story.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.