Wyoming Wildlife May 2024 - 13

Participants at the Wyoming Sportsman's Group free family fun day in Gillette each summer can participate in shooting sports. (Photo courtesy of Katie Holden)
been offered since 2016. This past year, 12
scholarships were awarded, though in some
years, it has been as high as 17.
One of the earliest and most impactful
programs has been the hunter education
backpack program started in 2015. Hunter
education students who score 96 percent or
better on their test receive a free backpack
with hunting accessories such as a knife
sharpener, hat, hunting vest and sometimes
other equipment.
Ford said the idea came from WSG member
Eric Perez and has been supported through
discounts on items from Sportsman's Warehouse
and Rocky Mountain Discount Sports.
Hundreds of backpacks have been distributed
through classes in Newcastle, Wright, Gillette,
Hulett, Moorcroft, Upton and Buffalo. So far,
$58,500 has been invested in the backpacks
and equipment.
" There are more than 400 kids who have
spent a little extra time and effort getting
an almost perfect score on their test, which
means they will be safer in the outdoors, "
Ford said. " The program is really dear to me.
I had a hunting accident when I was young
that injured a friend, so the safety aspect is
hugely important to me. "
In all, WSG has raised more than
$828,500 to support natural resource conservation
and promote excellence in outdoor
sportsmanship.
WSG is currently led by board president
Katie Holden, Ford's daughter, who was a
reluctant recruit.
" My dad invited me to a board meeting
and I thought it was just going to be guys
sitting around talking about guns, " Holden
said. " But by the end of the meeting, I was
elected secretary and now I've been president
for three years. "
One of Holden's favorite projects was support
for Gillette's Yes House to start a hiking
club. Through the WSG, youth were able to
purchase hiking boots, backpacks and other
equipment they used to complete 35 miles of
hiking during the summer of 2023. In return,
the kids helped WSG with preparations on
the day of this year's banquet.
The group also hosts a free family fun
day annually in Gillette in August. Attendees
can visit educational booths, watch
demonstrations and try their hand at archery,
shotgun, muzzleloader and rifle.
" This is our way to give back to our families
and youth, " Holden said. " It's so cool to
see all the kids getting to learn and participate
in different types of sportsmanship and outdoor
experiences. A lot of these kids would
never get this type of experience without
this event.
" In the beginning, I really didn't see how
important this group was. Now that I've
been a part of it for almost eight years, I have
witnessed first hand the effects of what our
group has done. I have seen a huge impact
with our youth. It's truly a humbling experience.
I'm very grateful for it. "
- Christina Schmidt is the information and education
specialist in the Sheridan Region and a regular contributor
to Wyoming Wildlife.
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Wyoming Wildlife May 2024

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