JAKES Gather for Day of Education and Fun in East Texas

The NWTF Pineywoods Chapter in East Texas celebrated National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 23) by providing 41 local youths with hands-on learning about hunting, fishing and conservation in an engaging, fun-to-learn environment. 

“We had such a fun time getting kids and their families together for a day of engagement and learning,” said Kathy Braden, NWTF Pineywoods Chapter committee member. “Our goal is to empower and educate these kids as they begin their journey in the outdoors. This event did just that.”

Across the country, NWTF JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) Days engage youth in outdoor pursuits and instill lifelong traditions. The Pineywoods JAKES Day was a shining example, providing numerous learning stations where kids spoke with experts and engaged with the activities at each station, including fishing, practicing bow and firearm accuracy and learning valuable conservation and outdoor skills. 

“Whether it was fishing, interacting with K-9 Jaz or learning about plants at the North Boggy Slough, the kids had a blast,” Braden said. “Watching them collect different plant species and coming back and skimming through the books to identify the plants they gathered was so fun.”

The event was held at the North Boggy Slough Conservation Area, an over-19,000-acre parcel of conserved land managed sustainably as a working forest. The North Boggy Slough encompasses many unique wildlife and land features, including an 18-mile frontage on the Neches River.

The NWTF Pineywoods Chapter and local businesses donated money for additional prizes for the kids, including turkey calls, fishing poles, Thermacells, goody bags and more. 

Community partners from the Lufkin, Texas area include Caddo Sustainable Timberlands, Carroway Funeral Home, International Paper, Melvin Linton Homes, Morgan Insurance, Bryan’s Paint and Body, East Texas Pawn, Inc., East Texas Powersports, Jewell Hudgens Inc., Kathy’s Accounting Services, Kisatachie Midnight Express, National Wholesale Supply Inc., Safeco Security Systems and Truss, Casa Ole and Son Plumbing Services. 

“Without our sponsors, volunteers, instructors and NWTF committee members, this event would not have happened,” Braden said. “I truly appreciate all the help we had.”

The Pineywoods Chapter is already looking forward to hosting the event next year. 

Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting and teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety.

For $10 a year, JAKES receives a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.

In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species. 

Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer with the NWTF, or look for an upcoming JAKES event in your area.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF’s 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50 th anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF’s people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.