The Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County will be hosting its annual Kay Danchak Memorial Youth Outdoor Expo at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds on September 5. The Sullivan County Longbeards Chapter of the NWTF is having its Jakes Event on September 19 at the Roscoe-Rockland Fireman’s Park. There is a Youth Pheasant Hunt on September 26-27. It’s going to be a busy month for the young folks!

The Federation Youth Expo is free for children ages 5-15. A little bird told me that we don’t check IDs for younger kids that come with their brothers and sisters (wink, wink). Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

The first 100 children to register will get goodie bags. There will be free hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream for the young folks. The event will take place rain or shine from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Fairgrounds on Route 55 in Grahamsville.

Events this year will include building bluebird houses, archery, fishing, BB gun shooting, a trapping demo, birds of prey, and a fly-casting demo. There will be maple cotton candy from the Diehl Farm. Our friends from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be there. 

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department comes to the Youth Expo every year. They are scheduled to do a demonstration of their drone technology for the kids. The local first aid squad will be there.

The Sullivan County Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will be holding its annual Jakes Event at the Roscoe-Rockland Fireman’s Park on Saturday, September 19 between 10 AM and 1 PM. It’s another “don’t miss” outdoor event that is free for children.

Some of the highlights include archery, bluebird house building, and fishing. The NYC DEP will be there. Environmental Conservation K-9 Officer Wood will be there.

At the Jakes Event there will be maple cotton candy from the Deihl Farm. There will be fresh apple cider to drink. The young folks can win all kinds of free prizes. It’s a great day for the kids.

A special Youth Pheasant Hunt will be held on the weekend of September 26-27. It is co-sponsored by the Federation and the Sullivan County Longbeards.

Pheasants for the hunt are provided by the DEC and several clubs in the Federation. Lunch, drinks and snacks are provided free of charge. Several local dog handlers donate their services for the day.

Registration for the Youth Pheasant Hunt must be done online through the DEC website. There is a limit on the number of youth that can attend so keep checking the website and sign up early.

I’ve attended the Youth Pheasant Hunt every year. It’s a wonderful event and I enjoy seeing the young folks out in the field. It’s always fun to watch the dog’s work.

If you have some children in your orbit, get them involved in these great events. I can assure you they will enjoy them and have fun. I hope to see you there.

Let’s all enjoy the outdoors!

John S. Van Etten is the current president of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, Inc.