Law Enforcement Headlines

First Ever Youth Outdoor Expo

While waiting for their turn to learn about firearms safety, youth learned about furs from Conservation Warden John Christian.

Conservation Warden Amie Egstad assists a young girl that took part in the BB gun shoot.

Olympic gold medal speed skater Casey FitzRandolph paid a visit to the Expo and signed autographs for children.

Dodge County Fairgrounds – Wisconsin conservation wardens participated in the first ever Youth Outdoor Expo that was held May 19-20 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. A great time was had by all - children, wardens, volunteers and teachers.

Approximately 3500 children aged 9-12, some from as far away as Taylor County got a chance to shoot air rifles, shoot a bow and arrow, handle fish, cast a fly rod, tie a fly, handle furs, start a fire without matches, learn how a paddle a canoe, call a duck or a turkey, study invasives (harmful bugs and weeds), learn how a carve a decoy, learn Native American traditions, pitch a tent, learn about ATV safety, study wildlife tracks, and yes, listen to a President Theodore Roosevelt imitator talk to them about the importance of hard work, conservation, and the responsibility that comes with citizenship.

Conservation wardens participated in the Expo by mentoring youth on the safe use of firearms. Participating children and adults were provided an orientation to safe handling, they were then ushered to another station for instruction on siting-in firearms and finally each child was paired up with a conservation warden to shoot a BB gun at a paper target.

"There was not a child on the property without a smile on their face; it was amazing to see and a very rewarding day for everyone" said Chief Warden Randy Stark. "If the smiles and comments were any measure, it was clear we successful in making memories and delivering a positive experience that will kindle a lifelong interest in the outdoors. Check with any of the wardens who participated; they'll tell you what a great experience it was to take a child who had never shot before and inside 10 minutes have them shooting bulls eyes, and leaving with their target and a big smile on their face, proud of what they'd just accomplished. It was very inspirational to see so many people come together on behalf of passing on the conservation ethic to future generations."

Chief Stark offered a special thanks to all several hundred volunteers, all the wardens involved, other DNR staff, the conservation organizations who made this go from an idea to a reality. "We've identified many improvements - and next year - we'll work to double the number of children who won't be left inside", Stark said.

About the Expo from The Watertown Daily Times

Photos courtesy of Dave Edwards - Wisconsin DNR