DNR partners with Pheasants Forever, Lions Club; Game Fair to offer youth free hands-on hunting activities (July 29, 2008)

Participants in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and a limited number of Southeast Asian youth who might not have the opportunity to experience hands-on outdoor learning activities will have just that chance at this year’s 27^th annual Game Fair at the Armstrong Ranch northwest of Anoka.

Minnesota Pheasants Forever chapters, Game Fair, Lions Club and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are sponsoring a program that allows select youth to receive complimentary admission, food and outdoor activities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for youths and their parents who may be interested in the outdoors but just don’t have access to a positive introductory experience,” said Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring program coordinator. “Hopefully this will lead to an outdoor relationship with their parent, guardian or maybe even a mentor.”

Youth hunters will have hands-on chances to shoot the Laser Shot. air rifles. sling shots, 3-D archery targets, and the Quiet Gun, a low-impact extremely safe firearm. They also can see and hear other youth participating in duck and goose calling competitions.

DNR wildlife staff and conservation officers will be present to discuss hunting programs and answer questions. Participants my also visit with local dog breeders, watch dog competitions in dock jumping and timed obstacle courses, and listen to professional outdoors seminar speakers.

The DNR booth will be in a tent in Area B along the lakeshore, near the dog trials area. DNR License Bureau staff will be there to sell hunting licenses. Representatives from the DNR’s Becoming An Outdoors Woman Program and DNR Advanced Hunter Education Program will also be there to answer questions.

KFAN radio will broadcast live from the DNR booth on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 2-4 p.m.

Game Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, from Aug. 8-17.

Started in 1992, Game Fair now has more than 300 exhibitors, plus hunting, shooting and dog exhibitions, which are expected to draw as many as 50,000 people during this year’s run.