


Posted on: May 08, 2007
IDAHO FALLS – Today’s youth have lots of things that they can do with their time, probably too many things. In addition to family, school and even jobs, today’s young person has nearly unlimited access to all forms of activities and entertainment. What might be called more traditional leisure time activities such as fishing and hunting are taking a backseat to Xboxes and MP3 players. There are many reasons for this shift, but the sportsmen’s groups of the Upper Snake Region have joined forces to offer kids a chance to experience a wide-variety of outdoor activities on Saturday, May 19 at Beaver Dick Park on Highway 33 outside of Rexburg.
While Idaho is sportsman’s paradise, with all kids of opportunity for exciting outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, trapping and horse packing, many young people don’t know how to make the initial contact to get started. What used to be an activity that the whole family enjoyed, such as fishing, has failed to make the jump to our youngest generation. It seems no one in the family knows how to do the activity any more, or lacks the gear, but more than likely doesn’t have the time to get out. Sportsmen’s groups in the Upper Snake Region have taken the big step to make the time to reach out to young people. Many of these outdoor enthusiasts may look rugged on the outside, but on the inside they have a tender spot for the sports they love and they want to make sure the sporting traditions carry-on.
The free event starts at 9:00 AM and runs until 4:00 PM, but registration starts at 8:30 AM and everyone who takes place in at least six of the mini-seminars will be entered in a drawing for a new rifle. The seminars are all free and will cover such topics as fishing, archery, trapping, turkey calling, muzzleloading, hound dogging, horse and llama packing and falconry. A trailer with a portable laser shooting gallery will also be on hand for youngsters to test their skills.
The location of Beaver Dick Park is along the banks of the Henry’s Fork and right next to IDFG’s Cartier Slough Wildlife Management Area means that kids are guaranteed to be up and moving around enjoying all the area has to offer! Kids of all ages are welcome and families are encouraged to attend. There is sure to be something for everyone and the goal is to get more people out enjoying the great outdoors of Idaho. For more information call IDFG at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).
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Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.
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