by Jim Kalkofen, Stevensville
Oftentimes, living in the Valley, when something comes along because forward-thinking folks want to preserve traditions and improve the future for area youth, it deserves support.
For several years, the Montana Conservation Elders have been conducting Ravalli County Youth Fairs for area youngsters. The goal has been to share knowledge about fly fishing, warm water fishing, deer and elk hunting, small game hunting, trapping, wildlife conservation, ecosystems, backpacking, trap shooting, archery and much more.
This spring, the Youth Outdoors Experience will be held at the Ravalli County fairgrounds in Hamilton on May 6. Organizers anticipate 500 youth with their parents and grandparents. There is a simple way to support this cause. A fund-raising banquet will be held Saturday, March 11 at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. Tickets and/or tables are available from Tracey (406-214-1154) or mtconservationelders.org/events.
This year the Conservation Elders are coordinating with First Hunt Foundation for the Montana Matters Youth Outdoors Experience Banquet. Funds help pay for 19 fishing, backpacking, trapping, hunting trips and camps for area youth. It’s such a grand cause that I purchased tickets and urge others to consider attending also.