Click the video below for some great footage of this year's event.
I’ve enjoyed volunteering as an archery instructor for this event for many years and it’s something that ranks almost as high on my calendar as the opener of bow season. This year was no different, except that I attended as a PSP staff member along with Andy Traister and AJ Johnson. We had a lot of fun introducing the visitors to the PSP website as well as sharing stories of prior season’s hunts. However, the majority of my time that day was spent taking photos and shooting video footage of all of the events. And believe me, there was a lot to see!
Rather than try to explain all of the day’s activities, I think I’ll just let the photos speak for themselves.
Hoyt Pro Staff member Tony Tazza instructs several youngsters on archery safety and proper shooting techniques; A future archer takes careful aim at a foam deer target.
A member of the Redbank Rod and Gun Club gives some shooting tips for a first-time shot gunner, while the Rimersburg Rod and Gun Club provided a variety of wild game meats to sample.
Claire Clements, owner of Clem’s Taxidermy in Ninevah, PA, shows the youngsters a variety of animal species native to PA; The Clarion County Rod and Gun Club and the Hawthorn Rod and Gun Club hosted the .22-shooting station featuring balloons and egg targets.
The PA Game Commission set up an obstacle course that included both tomahawk and spear throwing stations.
John O’Hara, Summit Treestand safety instructor, explains the importance of fall-restraint harnesses while hunting from treestands; Participants in the event were also treated to a canoe trip along East Sandy Creek.
The PA Gun Owners Association organized a station devoted to muzzleloaders and black powder shooting.
The young anglers had very good luck enticing the freshly-stocked trout in the early morning hours; This young man proudly displays a fine palomino that he landed.
Ernie Kennendrelli with Quaker Boy Game Calls demonstrates turkey calling techniques with a box call; This lad was really getting into a cutting sequence!
Horton sponsored a new crossbow station, which was a big hit with the kids.
Local Boy Scout Troop 55 was also in attendance as well as the PA Trappers Association who displayed a variety of pelts and demonstrated trap setting methods.
One of the day’s feature events was a shooting demonstration by Benelli staff shooter Tim Bradley. Tim is a professional shooter, known nationally for his extraordinary skills with a shotgun. His shooting feats include shooting up to nine hand-thrown clay targets at a time. Tim lived up to his reputation and delivered a stellar performance that resulted in him getting mobbed and nearly trampled by youngsters seeking his autograph. To his credit, he stayed on-hand to sign every t-shirt and hat that was passed his direction. Well done Tim!
Tim Bradley, staff shooter for Benelli, provided an incredible shooting demonstration for the crowd in the afternoon.
Tim takes aim at a handful of clay targets; Tim treats the crowd to a patriotic series of red, white, and blue targets.
Tim’s demonstration ended with an “explosive” finale!
Click the video below to watch a short video clip Tim’s finale shots.
As in the past, a big part of the day’s events was the prize ceremony. However this year, the supporting sponsors stepped up in a big way. The CCSY, along with help from Savage Arms, purchased one hundred .22 rifles to be given away to the youngsters. As if that wasn’t enough, additional prizes included twelve compound bows, a Horton crossbow, a Summit treestand, a case of Federal ammunition, two mountain bikes, and much more. Each child who didn’t win a major prize received a custom-engraved Clarion County Youth Field Day turkey call produced by Quaker Boy Game Calls.
This young man was the proud owner of a new Summit treestand; All of the bows used at the archery station were awarded as prizes at the end of the day.
The lucky winner of a Savage .22 rifle excitedly ran back to show his parents his winning certificate; Jakeb and McKenzie Byerley each won a .22 from Savage.
Arianna Evans, who was born with spina bifida, was carried by her father Bill to receive her certificate for a new 7mm-08 rifle; This young man was all smiles holding one of the Savage .22 rifles given away as prizes.
I think it’s pretty easy to see from the photos how much this day means to the young people who participate in the event. As a volunteer, I consider it to be one of the most important activities I support throughout the year. And I can also tell you, it’s one of the most rewarding. The excitement and joy on the face of one youngster is enough to make it worthwhile, but when you witness it time and time again throughout the course of the day, it’s hard not to recall your own introduction to the outdoor sports and recognize the important place each of those early memories hold in your heart.
I think most folks are aware that in today’s society, our young people are in danger of growing up without being exposed to the sports that have been responsible for our outdoor heritage in rural America. Without motivated and coordinated efforts by individuals and organizations like those responsible for this event, I’m certain that the future of shooting sports and other outdoor pursuits would suffer a grave fate. I’d like to take this space to thank the following sponsors for their continued support of the Clarion County Youth Field Day. You are commended for playing a vital role in the preservation of our great sport, and the outdoor community is ever grateful!
Corporate Sponsors
Clarion County Rod & Gun Club
Sportsmen Outfitters
Swartfager Welding
Horton Crossbows
Summit Treestands
Hoyt
Quaker Boy Game Calls
PA Game Commission
PA Fish & Boat Commission
Savage Arms
Federal Ammunition
Walmart – Clarion
Benelli USA
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
General Sponsors
Franklin K-Mart
Hirsch’s Meats
Jay D. Stevens M.D.P.C.
Emlenton IGA
O’Neil Services
Pioneer Electric Supply
Vinyl Graphics Inc.
Lions Club of Hawthorn
Charles Tool & Supply
Ochs Building Supply Inc.
William Rupert Mortuary Inc.
Heeter Enterprises Inc.
Pine Hollow Rod & Gun Club
Jennifer Alden Wesner
Farmers National Bank
R.C. Best Traps
Clarion Boards Inc.
Joy Mining Machinery
New Bethlehem Moose Lodge 366
Hawthorn Rod & Gun Club
Rimersburg Rod & Gun Club
Smuckers of PA
Ida Wholesale
Maple Mountain Inc.
Tom’s Sales & Service
Ken Bell
Knox Ambulance
Knox Fire Police
Sligo Sportsmen & Archery Club
The Carriage Inn
Ritner Pools & Spas Inc.
Weaver Excavating
Heartbreak Hotel
Pennwest Homes
Wespen Audio Vision
Miller’s Sporting Goods
For new sponsors interested in supporting the Youth Field Day event in 2009, please contact Randy Culberson of Sportsmen Outfitters at (814) 797-5253.
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