Youth Take Aim at Annual Chukar and Pheasant Hunt

The Latest Feature Articles Youth Take Aim at Annual Chukar and Pheasant Hunt

By Ryan Brock, Ph.D.

On Saturday, September 27, the Wild Sheep Foundation and the Chukar Chaser Foundation came together for the first time to host a youth chukar and pheasant hunt at Green Gulch Ranch near Vinton, California. The event brought out 25 enthusiastic young hunters, eager to learn, practice, and experience the thrill of the uplands. Both organizations had hosted similar hunts in the past, but this was the first time they collaborated, resulting in the largest number of youth participants ever.

Youth hunting chukar

The morning began with check-in between 8:00–9:00 a.m., followed by a warm welcome, an introduction to the ranch, and a thorough gun safety briefing. With safety top of mind, youth then headed to the trap range, where they sharpened their shooting skills under the guidance of experienced mentors who offered tips and encouragement.

But the real excitement kicked in once the hunt began. Divided into groups of five, each youth team was paired with a guide and a skilled dog handler. The dogs worked the sagebrush to flush out the planted chukar and pheasant, giving each participant a chance to step into position and take their shot. The sound of shotguns echoed across the ranch as the five groups pursued birds, with every youth getting the opportunity to shoot at least five.

Youth hunter with instructor

Group of youth hunters with chukars

After the hunt, participants were taught how to properly clean the birds—an important step in the hunting tradition. A well-earned lunch followed, fueling tired but smiling faces. The day wrapped up with a raffle before concluding at 2:15 p.m.

The event was more than just a hunt—it was an unforgettable introduction to conservation, outdoor traditions, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing the field.

Large group of youth chukar hunters and instructors

Click here to learn more about the WSF Youth Programs.