On Oct 17^th, 2020, Bethlehem Rod and Gun Club hosted its annual Pheasant Youth Hunt. We had 6 young hunters come out to start the day. Three additional youngsters joined us for the afternoon hunt. The Club dedicated to youth hunters only. All hunters were required to have hunter safety, a NYS hunting license and had to wear hunter orange. NYS made it easier to take Hunter Education this year by allowing it to be taken on-line.  I hear it was not a breeze to get thru the class, but it was a thorough course.  The youth who came are Jason Baird, Mackenzie Guinto, Giuseppe Palladino, Anthony Schetter, Chris Schetter, Conner Wright, and Sean Wright.

            The day started with juice, coffee and donuts with a history of pheasant and pheasant hunting in New York State. The youth then learned why and how to stock the pheasants. At 9AM the hunting kicked off. The dogs found the birds and the kids got to shoot plenty. We restocked the fields throughout the morning, so the youth had plenty of opportunities. There was the state legal limit of two pheasants per day and we allowed two chukar as well. This was the same as for regular members throughout the season. The youth had a great time. The weather was cooperative and many of the youth shot the limit. Three arrived late and hunted the afternoon with a few from the morning who had not shot their limit. More birds were stocked for the afternoon for any adults and the youth. Thanks to all the adults who came out to volunteer and for bringing their dogs. A particular thanks to the dogs who came and hunted hard for the kids.