EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Laughs and the sounds of good times rang out across Smith Farms in Linwood, North Carolina, as the Davidson County Longbeards Chapter successfully held their 23rd annual JAKES Day on Aug. 3, welcoming youths aged 17 and under to participate in an array of activities.
Despite hot temperatures and the chance of rain, the turnout was impressive, with 245 youth attendees showing up to learn about and engage in the outdoors. Each child received a complimentary JAKES T-shirt and had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including BB gun shooting, .22 rifle practice, shotgun turkey practice, skeet shooting, fishing, archery, zip-lining, operating an excavator, rock wall climbing and enjoying a bounce house.
The continual success of the event is due to the dedication and involvement of local volunteers, many of whom had attended an NWTF JAKES Day as children. Their return as mentors and supporters highlights the full-circle impact of sharing our hunting heritage.
“This event has become a tradition in the area, and so many smiles on the kids’ faces were awesome to see,” said Tim Draughon, NWTF regional director in North Carolina. “Entire families participate and help out; local business owners and law enforcement help out and donate to the event. It was a great day to see the hard work and dedication this chapter puts forth to keep our hunting heritage moving forward for the next generations.”
As the chapter looks to the future, they aim to continue growing the event and increasing participation, ensuring that the JAKES Day event remains a tradition in the community for years to come.
Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youths 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, and teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety.
For $10 a year, JAKES receive a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.
In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species.
The NWTF has dedicated staff, volunteers and partners seeking to introduce nonhunters to the outdoor lifestyle and to share in the greater conservation story.
Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer with the NWTF, or look for an upcoming JAKES event in your area.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
