On Aug.5, from 4-8 p.m., the Ortonville Shooting Range, 5320 Sawmill Lake Road, will host Demonstration Days at the Ortonville Recreation Area.
Mentored youth hunting regulations require that mentors ensure the hunting devices properly fitted and suited to the youth hunter under the age of 10. The Demonstration Day evening event gives 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 instructions. The National Wild Turkey Federation is a participating partner with its JAKES trailer.
On Wednesday youth can tryout a 410 or 20 gauge shotgun. The can also try a .22 or .243 rifle or a .50 caliber muzzle loader in preparation for the fall hunting season.
Charlie Brauer, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fire and Safety officer assigned to the Ortonville Shooting Range, said getting the right fit is vital for youth hunters starting out.
‘It’s a matter of comfort level with the gun or bow,? said Brauer. ‘Sometimes youth start out with a 12 gauge shotgun and it’s just too much for them. The recoil is too hard or the gun is just too heavy for a young person. The experience is not positive and a youth will not be as eager to continue hunting. The Demo Days will provide a chance for youth to try out guns and bows before they go hunting or make a purchase. We want that first time to be enjoyable.?
Participants will get a free camouflage baseball hat and a backpack of helpful resources for new hunters. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, attendees should not bring their own. Registration is not required. A Recreation Passport is required for entry.
The Mentored Youth Hunting program is designed to introduce youth under the age of 10 to hunting and fishing, offering a ‘package? license for just $7.50. The license includes turkey (spring and fall, any hunt period/location, on private or public land), deer and small game, trap furbearers and fish for all species.