Milk River Gobblers hold third youth day

Press release

Milk River Gobblers held its Third Annual Youth Day at the Havre Trap Club Saturday, Aug. 6.

The weather was beautiful with little wind allowing for a whole lot of balloon busting.

The event had a good turnout with kids from around the community turning out to have their faces painted, make plaster of Paris animal tracks, and, of course, shoot balloons.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks brought its TIP-MONT trailer to talk about and show the folks what impact illegal poaching has on Montana's outdoor way of life. Along with the trailer was a K-9 dog to give a demonstration on finding hidden objects.

FWP Area Biologist Scott Hemmer presented a plaster of Paris event in which the kids could make plaster models of various wild animal tracks that they could take home.

Local archer and turkey hunter Al Stremcha displayed his techniques in using different kinds of bows and equipment to hunt turkeys, with a camouflaged blind as well as turkey decoys. The kids were able to get a hands-on experience with the equipment.

The Havre High School cheer squad face-painted many willing kids, and adults too, with camouflage paint.

"This was a 'redneck' event, don't you know," Milk River Gobblers member Jeff Dibblee said.

A Milk River Gobblers member put on a game call and trapping exhibit. The trapping display was to show and talk about predation and what effect it has on the bird population, not just turkeys, but many other species of wild game birds as well.

Lunch was served up by the Gobblers team, consisting of hamburgers, Rocky Mountain Hot Dogs and cheddar dogs along with all the trimmings.

"As stated earlier, the wind was low and we shot many, many helium balloons," Dibblee said. "One young man said he could shoot all day and all night, too, at those balloons. Gotta love it."

The Gobblers said a special thanks goes out to Matt Sasaki and the Havre Trap Club for the use of the facilities and for Sasaki's help instructing the kids.

"A big thank you goes out to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the displays and hands-on exhibits to spark interest in the kids that attended," Dibblee said. "There were a few that I'm sure kept them busy with questions.

"Thanks for for his time teaching his love of the outdoors to those who are becoming interested in pursuing these beautiful birds," he added. "And thanks to the Havre High School cheer squad for their clever art talents in camo face painting. They were good sports and even camo-ed up themselves.

"Thanks, too, to all the Milk River Gobblers who devoted their time and efforts into making this another very fun day not only for kids, but adults too," Dibblee said. "And a very big thank-you to all kids and parents who turned out. See you next year."