Young hunters learn sportsmanship, safety at Junior Pheasant Hunt
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Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun
The Lake Isabella Fish and Game Habitat Club held their 23rd annual Junior Pheasant Hunt this past weekend at Hanning Flat, with over 70 junior hunters on hand to participant in the event. Young hunters came from miles away to partake in the hunt, which strives to teach sportsmanship, gamesmanship and discipline.
“This club is dedicated to providing as much outside recreation for kids as possible,” said Fish and Game Habitat Club president Dick Miller. Junior hunters, along with parents and dog handlers, made their way into fields planted with dozens of pheasant. Hunters were limited to two pheasant apiece, and a memory of a lifetime.
“It's important for them to know that hunting is a big part of our life and our tradition, as well as lots of other people,” said Jim Hessick of Bakersfield, who brought his son and daughter. “Conservation and ethics of hunting are important.”
Hunting to many is more than simply a recreational family activity, it is a strictly educational opportunity. Whether referring to sportsmanship or safety, all the young hunters walk away with more knowledge than had prior to the hunt. “Most [gun related] accidents in the house are due to non-education of firearms,” added Hessick, “Now that they're educated and have been through training they know not to touch any pistols or rifles in the house.”
Patrick Maddick of Bishop echoed the notion of the required regulation and skill required in hunting, “I enjoy the gamesmanship, sportsmanship, skill and discipline required.”
The event would not be possible were it not for the many sponsors and, of course, the Lake Isabella Fish and Game Habitat Club. The group strive to provide opportunities for youth to get involved in the Kern Valley's wildlife. For many youth hunters the annual Junior Pheasant Hunt provides a controlled environment for their first time hunting. “The hunt is a good thing for juniors,” said 14-year-old Ryan Richard of Ridgecrest. “It gets them started in hunting.”
