Youth Take Aim at Adventure: Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442 Hosts Free Youth Hunt at Cooke Family Wildlife Park
SHILOH, OH — The sound of laughter and the occasional shotgun report echoed across Cooke Family Wildlife Park on Saturday, October 11, as Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442 hosted their annual Free Youth Pheasant Hunt — a day filled with learning, excitement, and unforgettable outdoor memories for youth ages 12 to 17.
A Day of Safety, Skill, and Smiles
The event kicked off early in the morning as groups of eager young hunters gathered at the park pavilion for a firearms safety course, led by Ashland County Park Commissioner Robert “Bob” DeSanto.
“Safety is the number one thing,” DeSanto emphasized. “We give them about 15 minutes of hands-on gun handling instruction before they ever set foot in the field.”
After mastering the basics, participants took turns on the trap shooting range, practicing their aim by firing at fast-flying clay targets. For many, it was their first time handling a shotgun — and their faces said it all. “We want them to get used to shooting at an object moving away from them,” DeSanto said. “Once they hit a few clays, you can see their confidence build immediately.”
Into the Field: Real Hunting with Real Dogs
With guides and bird dogs leading the way — some pointers, some flushers — each youth stepped out on the mowed strips with the tall grass on each side for a real pheasant hunt. Under the supervision of experienced safety instructors and dog handlers, the young hunters were guaranteed a chance to harvest up to two birds.
“It’s about so much more than just hunting,” said Jeremy Cline, who, along with his wife, has led the event for the past eight years. “We teach conservation, habitat production, and responsible hunting. It’s about getting kids outdoors and showing them that hunting plays an important role in conservation.”
As the trailers carried each new group of hunters across the property, one could see turtles basking on floating logs in the pond, soaking up the autumn sun as the trailers rolled past — a perfect reminder of the park’s thriving wildlife and natural beauty.
Cline explained that the chapter’s annual spring banquet funds this free event. “We raise the money in March so every child can come out here for free — guns, ammo, birds, and even lunch are all provided. It’s our way of investing in the next generation.”
Hands-On Learning from Field to Table
After returning from the fields — often with big grins and even bigger pheasants — each youth was guided through the process of cleaning, preparing, and bagging their birds. “We want them to understand the full circle of hunting — from safety and shooting to processing and cooking,” Cline said.
For 12-year-old Ethan Iceman, the lesson went perfectly. “I went four for five on the clay shoot,” he said proudly, holding up his pheasants. “Then I got both of my birds out there! I want to come back next year.”
Honoring Legacy and Conservation
This year’s hunt was hosted at Cooke Family Wildlife Park, a site steeped in local history. DeSanto credited Larry Cook, the late Ashland businessman who helped make the park possible through a generous grant.
“Larry and his family wanted this land to continue as a place for people to enjoy the outdoors,” DeSanto said. “Because of their generosity, kids today can learn gun safety and experience their first hunt right here.”
A Gift for the Next Generation
In a powerful gesture of support, Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442 also announced it will cover the cost of lifetime hunting licenses for participating youth who attend a follow-up session at the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be on-site to process the licenses.
“This is huge,” said Cline. “We’re not just giving them one day of hunting — we’re giving them a lifetime opportunity to carry this tradition forward.”
A Special Thanks
Special thanks go out to Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442 for organizing and sponsoring this incredible event, the Ashland County Park District for providing the perfect venue, and the many volunteers, guides, and dog handlers whose passion for the outdoors made the day a success.
As one parent put it while watching their child proudly hold up their first pheasant: “You can’t buy this kind of experience. These memories will last a lifetime.”
