June 21, 2008

NOTE:  NEW Date and Location for 2008

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

Sponsored by:

THE NORTH CAROLINA BOWHUNTERS
ASSOCIATION'S
6TH ANNUAL YOUTH WILDLIFE EDUCATION DAY

For: "Kids of all ages"... with accompanying adult!
Scouts and other youth groups also welcome.. with adult leadership supervision.

NEW Location: Lake McIntosh (Burlington, N.C.)

Lunch Available!  (Vendors at site)

CAMPING:  To Be Announced ? ?

Kids,  come on out and enjoy the great outdoors and all there is out there!
You'll learn with "hands-on" demonstrations by many Wildlife Organizations and others...
This will be a day everyone will remember!

SPONSORS and PARTICIPANTS: North Carolina Bowhunters Association; NC Wildlife Resources Commission; Gander Mountain; National Wild Turkey Federation; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Quail Unlimited; NC Trappers Association; Ducks Unlimited; Quality Deer Management Association; Bass Pro Shops; Guilford Bowhunters; NC Forestry Association;  Bass Masters; Wildlife Forever; McLeansville Wildlife Club; Yadkin Valley Retriever Club; and numerous others...

CONTACT:  Mickey Strader for more information about being a co-sponsor, or participant in this event. 
Email Mickey Strader HERE!;  or phone: 336-855-6613 or 336-339-9095

  YOUTH WILDLIFE EDUCATION DAY

The North Carolina Bowhunters Association's FIRST  "Youth Wildlife Education Day" was held July 12, 2003 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  It was  held at Bur'Mill Park,  located at 5834 Owls Roost Road,  off US 220 North,  just north of Greensboro, NC.   The event was held in the new Frank Sharpe Wildlife Education Center.

                                            CLICK on photos to enlarge.. "Back" to reduce.

1st Annual Youth Wildlife Education Day - 2003 (Below)

3rd Annual Youth Wildlife Education Day - 2005 (Below).. Held at Reidsville City Lake Park

The event educates youths and their adult companions about wildlife,   wildlife conservation,  as well as wildlife management,  and is structured as a family fun day.

Registration for seminars begins at 8:30 AM and each youth must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.    Youths not registered for the seminars may still attend the other exhibits and are welcome to attend and browse the various displays throughout the day.  The seminars/exhibits begin at 9:00 AM.  The event is free and lunch is also available from on-site vendors.

The FIRST event was centered around the new Sharpe Wildlife Education Center which will be open for tour.  The Center was constructed in a joint effort between the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation (NCWHF) and the City of Greensboro.   Donations to the NCWHF from various individuals and organizations,  including the N.C. Bowhunters Association (NCBA),  allowed for its construction with matching funds provided by the City of Greensboro.

Seminars included Archery, BB Shoot, Turkey Calling, Fishing Derby, Tree Stand Safety, and a snake exhibit.  The event was filled with many fun activities and is structured for youth ages 6-15 years of age.   However, youths of all ages were welcome.  The event will be held rain or shine unless severe weather dictates cancellation.

Many wildlife related exhibits,  including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Safari Trailer and others will be displayed. Other public safety demonstrations included a Greensboro Police Canine demonstration,  the Greensboro Fire Department's smokehouse,  the Guilford County Sheriff Department display.

Mickey Strader (Greensboro),  who is the NCBA's Youth Education Coordinator for the bowhunting group, proposed the idea for the event and is event chairman.  Maria Bell is event coordinator.

The event was co-sponsored by Greensboro Parks and Recreation Bur-Mill Park, McLeansville Wildlife Club,  Bass Pro Shops, NC Wild Turkey Federation, Sportsman's Wildlife Club, N.C. Trappers Association and the U.S. Food Service. 

Youths attending the event learned that fishing,  hunting,  and other outdoor activities are not only fun,  educational, and rewarding,  but also a great way to share time with family.  Modern Wildlife Conservation is also a great benefit to all wildlife species.  Without the monetary  and volunteer support from outdoorsmen and women and organizations like the NCBA and our Wildlife Resources Commission and it's professionals,  many common wildlife species would be in danger of extinction.