The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and sponsoring partners will conduct the 2016 Youth and Women’s Celebrity Pheasant Hunt at Waconda Lake (Glen Elder Reservoir) on Saturday, Dec. 10. The event will begin at 7:15 a.m. with breakfast in the Hopewell Church basement at Glen Elder State Park, followed by a pre-hunt safety program. Hunters, guides, and mentors will then spend the remainder of the morning and early afternoon hunting various limited-access refuge areas around Glen Elder Reservoir. Lunch will be provided by the Waconda Lake Association.
Youth ages 11-16 and women are eligible to apply for this hunt, which is designed to provide comfortable and positive hunting experiences for new or beginning hunters. Previous hunting experience is not required, and some shotguns and ammunition can be provided for those without equipment. Hunters must apply no later than Dec. 1 by calling the Glen Elder Area Office at (785) 545-3345 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Forty spots will be available.
A unique aspect of this event is that participants will interact with and hunt alongside a few Hero-Celebrities invited to serve as hunting mentors. Past mentors include former professional athletes, television personalities, and military personnel who have recently returned from deployment.
Participants can also visit trap shooting stations that will be set up west of the KDWPT Glen Elder Area Office. From 1:30 – 4 p.m., the public is welcome to enjoy shooting at the stations.
All participants will receive a commemorative item from the event, as well as additional prizes provided by sponsors. The hunters’ banquet and dinner will be held Saturday night. All event participants are invited to attend and will be asked to RSVP for the banquet when they sign up for the hunt.
For more information on this event, or to serve as a volunteer mentor, contact Chris Lecuyer at (785) 545-3345.
