Youth hunt offers hands-on lessons in safety and confidence

Fifteen young people signed up for a free hunting and outdoor education event hosted by the Western Kansas Outdoor Association on Nov. 7 near Oakley. For some, it was their first time handling a firearm.

The day began at the Buffalo Bill Memorial Center, where participants met, made introductions and took part in a safety class. From there, the group traveled to an old sandpit on Troy Sporer’s property between Oakley and Exit 72.

At the sandpit, the youth warmed up with clay target shooting. An equipment trailer with five shooting positions allowed the young shooters to practice at once. Once they had time to get comfortable, the group moved to a field for a pheasant hunt, with birds placed by the association to give the young hunters a chance to build experience and confidence.

The instruction continued in the field. Each young hunter had a guide behind them to coach safe movement and reinforce how to handle a firearm while hunting as a group. Guides corrected unsafe decisions as they arose, giving participants practical lessons they can carry into future hunts.

The association had planned to use birds from another source, but illness affected that supply late in the planning process. Sporer Land Development donated replacement birds, allowing the event to go ahead as scheduled.

The group has been active in the area for about 45 years, previously operating as a Pheasants Forever chapter. It became the Western Kansas Outdoor Association two years ago so it could direct money it raises toward local projects and events without the restrictions it faced under the previous structure.

Association member Brett Mariman said the group is rebuilding its operating account and working to establish its footing as an independent organization. With a little more than a dozen members, the group is now in its second year and beginning to expand its community work.

The youth hunt was one step in that effort. Mariman said the association is also considering support for a future softball project, with more details to come.

For the young participants, the day offered more than a first opportunity to shoot clay targets or hunt pheasants. It gave them a guided introduction to firearm safety, outdoor skills and the responsibilities that come with hunting.