Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) held its eighth annual youth pheasant hunt Nov. 26, and it was a tremendous success. Thirteen young hunters ranging in age from nine to 14 years old participated in the event.

After registration at Glendale’s shop at 8:30 a.m., the young hunters were given general safety instructions by local conservation officers. Following the safety instructions, the youngsters honed their shooting skills by shooting clay targets.

The clay target range was operated by Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division’s South Region Hunter Education Coordinator Tim Beck, volunteer hunter education instructors, Glendale FWA personnel and Indiana conservation officers.

After the shooting exercise, it was time for lunch; fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and soft drinks were provided. Following lunch, the young hunters gathered for a group photo before being assigned in groups to a dog and its handler.

The handlers and dogs were from all over the state and volunteered their time and services. After the groups were assigned their areas, Glendale FWA personnel released pheasants into the hunt areas. Some additional birds were later released, but when all was said and done, all the young hunters had harvested at least one bird.

Many had no previous experience in hunting pheasants with dogs, and two youth had never hunted before.

Cash donations for the event were received from the Dubois County Sportsman Club, First National Bank of Odon, Hoefling Cycle Sales and the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. The donations were used to purchase t-shirts, hats and vests for the youth hunters, and provide lunch for all participants.

Those responsible for the successful event are; Glendale FWA for its facilities and personnel, district wildlife biologist, Indiana conservation officers, Indiana hunter education coordinator and volunteer instructors and the dogs and their handlers.

Our thanks goes to all the other individuals who helped make the day’s events happen.

Plans for the 2012 event have already started, and any donations or volunteering of services will be accepted by contacting Glendale FWA at 812-644-7711. Glendale is located south of Montgomery, in southern Daviess County.

The DNR Division of State Parks & Reservoirs has received grant funding through Indiana’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to administer a new program called Indiana Heritage Corps (IHC).

The DNR wants to find 23 members before the end of the year to begin IHC service in late January 2012. IHC is a volunteer opportunity for which on-site housing, a living allowance of $335 per month, an education stipend ($2,750) and hands-on experience will be provided, as well as a chance to earn college internship credit and live at a state park.

The state parks offering IHC are Pokagon (in Angola), Fort Harrison (in Indianapolis), Brown County (in Nashville) and O’Bannon Woods (in Corydon). IHC members will clean, restore and construct 20 cumulative miles of trail in the four parks.

IHC candidates should be at least 17 years of age, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, be able to pass a strict FBI background check and be able to make an eight-month commitment to the program (Jan. 23-Aug. 17). Interested qualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter to indianaheritagecorps@dnr.IN.gov

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.