COUNCIL GROVE -- Area youth are invited to attend a free wingshooting and gun safety clinic on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Council Grove Reservoir. Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Neosho Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited (QU), and Morris County hunter education instructors, this special event will provide participants with an opportunity to learn basic wingshooting skills. Controlled live-fire instruction and a computer hunting simulator will teach safe, responsible shooting techniques.

Participants will be provided gun safety and wingshooting instruction by National Rifle Association and National Sporting Clays Association certified shotgun instructors. All gear and supplies, including shotguns, shells, targets, and eye and ear protection will be provided by KDWP’s “Pass It On” Program. Teaching techniques are designed to have students breaking targets by the end of the session.

Anyone between the ages of 10 and 16 may participate. Participants are required to pre-register for the event. Students are not required to have completed a hunter education course, but it is preferred. The event will begin at 12 p.m. at the COE-managed area between Marina Cove and Neosho Park, approximately one-quarter mile west of the COE office at the west end of the dam. Check-in and a free lunch will be provided by QU from noon to 1 p.m. Following lunch, a KDWP law enforcement officer and K-9 (dog) companion will provide a demonstration. Shooting instruction will follow and will end at approximately 4 p.m.

The event is part of KDWP’s “Pass It On” Program, designed to increase the percentage of Kansans who hunt. Those interested are reminded to pre-register before Oct. 10. For more information, contact Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager, at 620-767-5900.
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