Youth 7-17 are invited for an afternoon learning and enjoying the shooting sports and about wild turkeys during the annual JAKES Day Saturday, Sept. 21.
The free event is from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and provides an opportunity for youth to shoot air rifles, .22 rifles, shotgun, air rifles and archery under the direction of members of the Botetourt Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in partnership with the Botetourt County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.
The event this year again includes a competition for Extreme JAKES who are 13-17 years old and a turkey-calling contest.
The program is being held at the Richard Simmons Farm off Lithia Road south of Buchanan.
Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the program starts at noon, but youth are invited to join the programs until as late as 2 p.m. Those joining later will not be able to participate in all of the shooting activities, but will be able to participate in some.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian adult.
There is no charge for the event, but those youth who want to be JAKES members may join for $10.
Youth 7-12 years old will be able to shoot air rifles, .22 rifles, air pistols and shotguns, and participate in a turkey calling contest.
Youth 13-17, Extreme JAKES, will participate in the same activities. They also can compete in these events for a chance to win a firearm.
There also will be door prizes.
For more information, contact Richard Pauley at 254-2564 or Jimmy Wilhelm, 529-0157.
The NWTF started the JAKES program as a way to give kids the chance to explore their outdoor world through events held across North America called JAKES Events.
The Simmons Farm can be reached from US 11 by taking Hardbarger Road (just south of I-81 Exit 162 south of Buchanan) east to the Lithia Road intersection. Turn right, cross the railroad tracks twice, then take the next right onto Rice Road and follow the gravel road to the site. Direction signs will be posted.