Leith, who has served as the president of the chapter for seven years, said the event is designed to introduce kids to the outdoors. Based on information from the NWTF website, the federation is known to be an ‘R3 powerhouse’ with the purpose of recruiting, retaining and reactivating local youth.
The event was divided into groups that rotated through five stations. According to Leith, the stations consisted of hunting safety, turkey calling, shotgun patterning, archery provided by Tuscarora Archers, and fur trapping provided by Maryland Fur Trappers Association.
According to an article published last year on the NWTF website, the local Monocacy Valley Chapter has received national recognition for its JAKES Day event over the years. The chapter received its fourth R3 award in February, according to Leith.
The JAKES program was established in 1981 and helps pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, teaching the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety, according to nwtf.org.
Leith said a nearby pond was stocked with trout for an afternoon of fishing.
Based on information from the federation, 25 volunteers helped to make the event a success. Lunch was provided and the event was free, Leith said.
