Young bird hunters in north-central Montana are encouraged to take advantage of a chance to win one of 30 world-class hunting trips by joining Pheasants Forever's youth program, Ringnecks.
The north-central chapter of Pheasants Forever is making it easy for youths to join at its booth during the 21st annual Havre Gun, Knife and Collectible Show at Havre Holiday Village Shopping Center this weekend.
Memberships in the youth program are open to youths who will be 14 through 19 years old on Aug. 1. The $5 fee includes a one-year membership in Pheasants Forever and a subscription to Ringnecks magazine.
With a $5 donation to Pheasants Forever, each new member will receive a one-year subscription to Ringnecks and a chance to win one of the hunting trips sponsored by National Basketball Association star Karl Malone. The trips are part of the Karl Malone Youth Conservation Initiative.
Pheasants Forever member Bob Markwardt said the applications will be at the group's booth at the gun show in the old Gibson's wing of the mall throughout the weekend.
The show is open to the public from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. A single fee of $4 is good for all three days. Students under 13 get in for $1 each and preschool children get in free when accompanied by an adult.
Markwardt said membership and entry forms are also available at Stromberg's Sinclair and E-Fish-Hunt Sports in Havre and in Rudyard from Darwin Anderson, president of the north-central chapter. Anderson can be reached by phone at (406) 355-4163.
The applications must be submitted to Pheasants Forever by March 15 to qualify for the hunts. Results will be announced April 30. The hunts will take place in the fall of 2002 and spring of 2003. Up to $1,000 in travel expenses along with license and guide fees are provided.
For complete details about Pheasants Forever, visit www.pheasantsforever.org or call toll free (877) 773-2070.
