The Pheasants Forever 19th annual Youth Pheasant Hunt and Conservation Day is set for Oct. 14 at the Maier Pheasant Farm near Bremen, Ind.

The free event, hosted by the Elkhart Pheasants Forever organization, is open to any youths under age 18.

There will be other activities in addition to the pheasant hunt - firearms safety instruction, trap shooting, a .22 rifle shooting competition (guns and ammo provided), reloading tips, a trapping presentation and more.

Youths aren’t required to participate in the pheasant hunt, but those who do will be taught how to clean birds.

The program is program into two segments, an early group and a late group. The early group runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Arrive a few minutes early to get checked in.

The late group is from 10:30 to 5 p.m. with check-in at 10 a.m.

An adult must accompany a participant and provide a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Deadline to register is Oct. 8. Contact Kim Rupert 574-340-1140 to request a waiver form and register. You also can email krupert827@gmail.com with child’s name, age, desired group.

Youths should dress for the weather and wear hunter orange clothing if participating in the hunt. Hunters and trap shooters must also have a shotgun and appropriate ammunition, and all guns must remain cased until in use.

Sponsors of the event include Maier Pheasant Farm, Indiana DNR, Nappanee Conservation Club, Midwest Gun Exchange, W&W Services, Schmucker Heating and A/C, and Advanced Diesel.