June 13, 2013

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- It's a day set aside each June that is devoted to providing area youth from six to 17 with an opportunity to experience the outdoors at its best through gun safety training, archery shooting, learning primitive survival skills, tomahawk throwing, and lessons that include how to build campfires using flint and steel...

NOREEN HYSLOP photo
Missouri Dept. of Conservation Biologist Mike Reed is pictured above at a previous JAKE's Day, providing a lesson in wildlife to area Boy Scouts.
NOREEN HYSLOP photo Missouri Dept. of Conservation Biologist Mike Reed is pictured above at a previous JAKE's Day, providing a lesson in wildlife to area Boy Scouts.

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- It's a day set aside each June that is devoted to providing area youth from six to 17 with an opportunity to experience the outdoors at its best through gun safety training, archery shooting, learning primitive survival skills, tomahawk throwing, and lessons that include how to build campfires using flint and steel.

The event, annually sponsored by the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, enlists the help of Crowley Ridge Blackpowder Club members and Missouri Department of Conservation agents for the purpose of informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and teaching youth to wisely utilize the natural resources around them.

JAKE's Day is held at the Holly Ridge Conservation Area which is located just east of Bloomfield. The event will take place beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m. Signs will be put in place on Saturday to guide guests. Approaching the site from north or south of Bloomfield, drivers should travel east on E Highway from the four-way intersection on Highway 25. After traveling less than a mile on E, a sign will be put in place to travel south on a gravel road to the Holly Ridge site.

Also present this year will be Mark Jacques from American Outdoors who will provide archery training for youngsters.

Individuals from the Corps of Engineers are also scheduled to be on hand to provide a safety program. A trapping seminar will be conducted by Shannon Collier of the Missouri Trapping Association, according to organizer Dale Kemp.

A member of the Blackpowder Club is shown at right demonstrating fire-starting. Youth from six to 17 are invited to attend Saturday's event. There is no charge. Prizes will also be awarded throughout the day.
A member of the Blackpowder Club is shown at right demonstrating fire-starting. Youth from six to 17 are invited to attend Saturday's event. There is no charge. Prizes will also be awarded throughout the day.

There will also be a kettle corn exhibition on site, and a free lunch will be served attendees.

All youth in the area, whether they hunt or not, are invited to attend JAKE's Day.

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