West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days

Outdoor Youth Challenge

The Outdoor Youth Challenge is both a youth expo and competition, which is held annually the last weekend of September at West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days at Stonewall Resort State Park.  Young people are exposed to a multitude of activities and displays which encourage them to learn new skills and to gain important knowledge and experience about wildlife, hunting, fishing, firearms safety and outdoor recreation.  Young folks can choose only to participate or they can compete.  The Outdoor Youth Challenge is perhaps the most important event at National Hunting and Fishing Days because, for some youngsters, this may be the only opportunity they will have to be exposed to these fun and exciting outdoor activities.

Any youth between 6 and 18 years can participate in the Outdoor Youth Challenge by simply showing up at National Hunting and Fishing Days and quickly registering at the Outdoor Youth Challenge tent.  All children participating in the event will be eligible to win prizes – including lifetime hunting and fishing licenses!  Also, those youths 11-18 years of age who would like to compete will be able to do so, with five scored competitive events including casting for accuracy, archery, .22 rifle, muzzleloader and shotgun (skeet) shooting.  Youths winning the junior group (ages 11-14) or senior group (ages 15-18) will win conservation camp scholarships and will be recognized at the awards ceremony.

So come on!  Participate or compete in these fun, exciting, and educational outdoor displays and events at the Outdoor Youth Challenge.  The world of the outdoors is waiting for you!

Check out the 2009 Outdoor Youth Challenge Schedule of Events below.  Also, click on the link to read the official news release about the 2009 Outdoor Youth Challenge.

Schedule of Events for the 2009 Outdoor Youth Challenge

Area 1      Anywhere on Park Ground

______     Talk with any Law Enforcement Officer about his/her career

______     Talk with any Wildlife Resources person about his/her career

Area 2     Behind Park Headquarters Building

______     Wildlife ID

______     Fish ID

______     Casting     

______     Trapping

______     Turkey Calling

Area 3      Roanoke Building

______     Wildlife Jeopardy Game

______     Touch a Snake

______     Bird Dog Demonstration

______     Wildlife/Nature Seminar

Area 4     Below Roanoke Building

______     Archery

______     Boating

______     Fishing

______     Fly Fishing

______     Fishing Rod and Reel Instruction

______     Deer Skinning

______     Fish Filleting

______     Squirrel Skinning

______     Tree Stand Safety

Area 5     Public Shooting Range

______     .22 Rifles

______     Shotgun

______     Muzzleloader