The Department of Natural Resources offers Demonstration Days for mentored youth hunters at its Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake and Sharonville shooting ranges in August.
Mentored youth hunting regulations require that hunting devices are properly fitted and appropriately suited to the youth hunter. The Demonstration Days events will give young hunters a chance to try a variety of firearms – rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders – archery equipment and crossbows with help from range officers and hunter education instructors; meet with conservation officers about what to expect while in the field; and try out the DNR’s hunting simulator. Participating partners also include the National Wild Turkey Federation with its JAKES trailer and Pheasants Forever.
Mentored youth hunters and other young people interested in hunting are invited to stop by between 4 and 8 p.m. on the following days:
Aug. 6 at Pontiac Lake Shooting Range (Oakland County) located within the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area 7800 Gale Road, Waterford (Recreation Passport required for entry)
Aug. 7 at Ortonville Shooting Range (Lapeer County) located within the Ortonville Recreation Area 5380 Sawmill Lake Road, Ortonville (Recreation Passport required for entry)
Aug. 13 at Sharonville Shooting Range (Jackson County) located within the Sharonville State Game Area 14520 Sharon Valley Road, Grass Lake
Aug. 14 at Rose Lake Shooting Range (Clinton County) located within the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area 14500 Peacock Road, Bath
Participants will get a free hat and a bag full of helpful resources for new hunters. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, and attendees should not bring their own. Attendees should bring their own eye and ear protection. Registration is not required.
“If kids are using a firearm, bow or crossbow that’s suited and fitted for them, then their first hunting experiences will be more successful and they’ll be more likely to continue hunting,” said Dennis Fox, DNR Recruitment and Retention manager. “Ensuring that young hunters have a safe and enjoyable time in the field is one way we can help pass Michigan’s hunting tradition on to the next generation.”
This project is supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Range Partnership Grant Program.
