Introductory event for pre-hunting aged youths

MILFORD - Area youths age 7 through 12 are eligible to participate in the July 15 introductory format educational sportsmanship program sponsored by the Pike County Branch of Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). Youth will learn about the common hunting methods of archery, shotgun and rifle. Certified instructors will be present at all stations and safety gear will be provided for participants. The program will also review wildlife and track identification, GPS (Global Positioning System) orienteering, and being prepared in the field during various weather conditions. At the end of the day, informative material will be handed out that includes additional details about deer behavior, managing deer health and sustainable habitat. The deadline to register for this second annual youth event is July 7, and the program is limited to the first 25 boys and girls that sign up. A rain date for the event has been set for July 16. The one-day program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held on private land in Pike County. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 18 or older. The program fee is $10; a fee of $5 for each subsequent youth in the same family will apply, and the accompanying adult attends free. Participants must bring their own lunch, but beverages will be provided. For additional information about this second annual educational youth event, call Nicole at 570-280-6557, or Scott at 570-241-1188. To register, send your names, both participant and adult, address, phone number, email address, and check or money order in the appropriate amount to: Pike County QDMA, P.O. Box 1147, Milford, PA 18337. To learn more about the associations local activities to benefit whitetail deer health and habitat, visit the website, www.QDMAPikeCountyPa.com.