Due to the efforts of the Kern River Valley chapter of the A-Z Foundation Group, the previously defunct youth pheasant hunt is making a comeback.
This group that takes pride in supporting veterans, the Honor Flight, and special need children, will be undertaking the revival of a once very popular event. The fund-raising dinners and other fund-raisers along the way has provided the A-Z group, both the financial means and the way to head into this new venture. They have partnered with a heavy hitter as they will be sponsored and funded by The Friends of the NRA.
The hunt will take place on privately owned property. It has been established and the owner of the property hopes due diligence in respecting the land on the day of the hunt. The owner has reached out to the A-Z Group to provide a safe haven for hunting and making the experience one to remember for the hunters.
This hunt will be open to youths aged 10-15. They must have a hunting license and will also have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the day they choose to hunt. There will be four sessions of hunting and limited to 40 hunters. Only 10 youth hunters will be allowed out each session. Also, the group has allowed for 10 alternates, just in case hunters do not show.
The dates of the hunt will be October 26-27. There will be a morning session from 8-11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session from 1-4:30 p.m. Registration begins one hour prior to the hunt start time and this event will take place rain or shine. The deadline to confirm entry for the hunt is Sept. 15. You can contact Bill Stonebarger at (661) 342-6831 for applications for the hunt and to get your name on the list of hunters. It is a first come, first serve as far as getting your name on the hunting roster for the session.
All safety gear will be provided, including a hat, with the exception of Snake Gators as hunters will be walking through bushes that could be home to snakes. The safety committee will do a walk through prior to the hunt to help eliminate the possibility, but better safe than sorry. To further the safety issue, it is the A-Z Groups hope that Game Wardens will be on hand to answer any additional questions hunters might have.
The A-Z Group is also looking for dog handlers volunteers to take part in the hunt. If you would like to help in this area, please contact Bill Stonebarger at (661) 342-6831. Breakfast pastries and lunch for each session will be provided by the Mt. Mesa Men’s Club.
This is the first step in hopefully a long walk of returning the youth pheasant hunt to the Kern River Valley. Do not be left out on this new adventure, get your name on the list to create a memory for youth hunters.
