Field Day Introduces Youth To Outdoor Activities

The Mahaska County Pheasants Forever Chapter sponsored a clay pigeon station that introduced youth to the sport.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – A bright Saturday welcomed nearly 300 people to Russell Wildlife for the 14th annual Youth Outdoor Field Day.

Mahaska County Conservation Naturalist Laura DeCook said that of those 300 people in attendance, nearly 170 of them were area youth.

This event was in the second year of the format change where participants could move from station to station, and come and go as they needed to. “You can go to any activity you wish to. Stay as long as you want,” said DeCook.

DeCook said the changes were made to allow participants to enjoy other activities that are taking place elsewhere.

“We offer a lot of the same things, and we try to add new activities for everyone,” added DeCook.

“So it’s just a fun, relaxing day for everybody,” DeCook said. “There’s just a lot to do out here.”

Favorite stops included the boat ride for the bow fishing. The fishing itself was good, and participants were catching fish off sticks by utilizing an outdoor survival kit.

The retriever dogs were also a popular and fun activity for the participants during the day.

Mahaska County Pheasants Forever sponsored a clay pigeon shoot, which according to DeCook, “it’s a way that kids and parents can learn the safety of shooting and try it first hand.”

“We never know which one of these activities will really spark an interest in these kids. That’s why we have a big variety. Because some have grown up and told us, ’10 or 12 years ago, I remembered doing this’, and that’s why I do it today,” said DeCook.