Youth
NO CHILD LEFT INDOORS
We're incredibly proud of our NO CHILD LEFT INDOORS program. We held our first youth event in 2006 with 11 kids. Since then, the program has grown by leaps and bounds, serving thousands of youth right here in Northwest Pennsylvania. This proves a real demand in our region for quality outdoor opportunities for kids. Our volunteers work to raise funds throughout the year to ensure that every young person interested is able to participate at no charge. Your support is appreciated.
Junior Pheasant Hunts
Our Junior Pheasant Hunts are the ideal way to introduce kids and teens to hunting, as experienced volunteer hunters from Pheasants Forever coach youth on the importance of firearms safety, wildlife habitat, dog handling, and hunting techniques. With support from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, we provide two hunts a year with 20 young shooters per hunt. These events will be held on the Saturday October 12, 2024 and Saturday October 19, 2024.
Youth can register for the October 12, 2024 hunt at: October 12, 2024 Youth Hunt Registration
Youth can register for the October 19, 2024 hunt at: October 19, 2024 Youth Hunt Registration
We had 25 youth participate in our two youth hunts in 2023. Many of the young hunters harvested pheasants.
About the Events
Mentored youth hunt with trained hunting dogs for up to 20 youth hunters. Check in 8:00-8:30 a.m. A mandatory safety briefing will start at 8:30a.m. Hunting 9:00-12:00. Youth will be divided into small groups of 3-5 hunters according to age and experience and assigned to mentors with trained hunting dogs. Youth model 20 Ga shotguns will be provided for youth not owning a suitable firearm along with shot shells at no charge. A light lunch will be provided free of charge following the hunt. All participants must have completed an approved hunter safety training course, wear the required blaze orange. Parents/guardians must register via email with the hunt coordinator at least one week prior to the date of the hunt. Parent/guardian participation in the hunting fields will be per PA Game Commission guidelines and all participating parents must wear a blaze orange hat and vest. Anyone entering the field must have eye protection and required hunter safety clothing. Unlicensed youth must present proof of completing an official Hunter safety training courseAbout the Location
From town of Cambridge Springs, take State Route 408 South to the parking lot for State Game Land 85 Headquarters building, just past the intersection with Greytown Hills Road. GPS coordinates (41.7792, -79.9936)
Outstanding Chapter Youth
Corry won the Pennsylvania State High School Clay Target League championship June 4 with four boys scoring in the top 10 and Megan Steele outshooting all girls at Clairton Sportsman’s Club.
Corry edged Portage for the team title 470-465. Saegertown (448) finished third.
The Beavers’ team depth overcame the best individual performance of the state championships. Barett Wiggins of Portage hit 99 of 100 targets.
Logan Muir of Corry (97) was second. Teammate Jaxon Gray (96) claimed third place in a tiebreaker by finishing with 11 straight hits. Reid Scott of Corry (94) tied for sixth and Reece Carr (92) was 10th.
Megan Steele was the high gun among girls, outscoring Sierra McDonald of Fulton County Community Christian 91-86. Sarah Swartout of Saegertown was third with 83.
Cambridge Springs (435) finished sixth overall in the team standings. Maplewood (415) was eighth and Conneaut (413) was ninth.
This spring 11 high schools with a combined 244 competitors took part in the league’s five-week skeet shooting regular season. Corry finished first in Conference 1, outscoring Portage 1,705-1,224.5. Cambridge Springs was third and Conneaut fourth. Saegertown finished third and Maplewood fifth in Conference 2.
Event Trailer
We have a trailer loaded with all the gear to host great outdoor events for families. Youth-sized firearms, air rifles, a portable clay target thrower, picnic equipment, and even a swimming pool for the bird dogs! Made possible with support from the MidwayUSA Foundation and our great local sponsors.
Daisy BB Gun Range
Thanks to a generous donation from Daisy Outdoor Products, we have a large inflatable BB gun range for use at our youth events. The range can be used indoors or outdoors, and provides a safe opportuntity to introduce kids and their families to the fun of shooting sports. If you're interested in having the range at your event, please contact us.
Habitat Education
Pheasants Forever offers numerous wildlife habitat education programs for all ages, and we provide free resources for teachers. We can customize any of our presentations to fit the needs of your classroom, organization, or event. Please contact us for more information.
