Ten Rivers Education Efforts

Pheasants Forever Education/Youth Efforts

Pheasants Forever believes the future of conservation and our hunting heritage depends upon today's youth having the desire and opportunities to carry on the ethical traditions of this organization. At both the national and chapter level, Pheasants Forever is investing in sound programs enriched with events such as youth mentor hunts, conservation events and habitat projects.

Ten Rivers Chapter Education/Youth Efforts

We take on a lot of projects as a chapter, but the most rewarding are undoubtedly our youth programs. Here are a few of the youth programs we've put on lately: Anna Basanova - PF's first-ever international youth member - receives her membership from Chris Lee, editor of The Bobwhite Chronicle and chapter habitat chairman.

  • Youth Essay Contest: From October 2006 - January 2007 we ran a youth essay contest in The Bobwhite Chronicle. Two winners each month were selected to have their essays published in the newsletter. Then, at our annual banquet in February, we presented the eight winners with framed award certificates, a printed booklet with all the selected essays, a tee shirt, and a free membership to PF. We hosted our second contest this year and through it we signed up Pheasants Forever's very first international youth member. Anna Basanova, a Russian foreign exchange student participating in the 4-H FLEX program submitted an essay and earned herself a membership to Pheasants Forever. Welcome aboard, Anna! A happy hunter from this year's youth hunt.
  • Youth Mentor Hunt: This past December we hosted our second annual youth pheasant hunt. 14 youth participated this year and everyone had a great time. We start our hunts with a safety demonstration followed by some live target practice. After lunch (which we provide to the participants free of charge) we break into small groups and take to the field. At the end of the day, we have a lot of great stories, some tired dogs, and even a few birds.




2008 Scholarship Recipient - Dustin Murphy

  • Scholarships: This year, we awarded our second round of college scholarships to two local graduating seniors. Dustin Murphy from Highland and Christy Phillips of Canton were the receipients of $500 scholarships this year.
  • Sponsorhips: We have sponsored numerous youth to attend 4-H shooting sports and outdoor skills events both locally and nationally. We have also sponsored the Lewis County Conservation and Wildlife Field Day since its inception in 2005 as well as numerous other youth events throughout the community. In fact, we have spent over $10,000 on youth efforts in this community since we started this chapter.Ryan Waterman - Lifetime License Winner at the 2007 Conservation Day
  • Youth Lifetime Hunting License Giveaway: At last year's Lewis County Conservation and Wildlife Field Day, we held a drawing for a youth lifetime hunting license. The winner: Ryan Waterman, 11, of Durham, MO. An avid outdoorsman, Ryan has participated in our Youth Mentor Hunt and Youth Essay Contest. He is active in 4-H Shooting Sports and would rather be outside than in front of a TV. We're certain the license will be put to good use.

We are well aware that the future of conservation rests with the youth of today and we take an active role in educating and exposing local youth to the outdoors and conservation every time we can.