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Berettaman's Youth Outdoors Day event in Alexandria is rapidly approaching. He could sure use some more volunteers. Guys, here's our chance to step up to the plate and not only help one of our really good guys, but give something back to the activities we love, and the kids we need to carry the torch going forward. I think this will be my third year going up to help out. My wife and daughter will be joining the effort this year too.

The event is held on Sunday August 28th. All volunteers will be fed, water will be supplied throughout the day. There are lots of exhibits, displays and learning opportunities for the kids. Thanks to Berettaman's efforts, this event has grown leaps and bounds every year. He conservatively expects 2,000 kids to attend this year. If past history is any indicator, they will easily shatter that mark. PM Berettaman for more details, but he could sure use more volunteers.

Time to step up gents.

Gopher...sorry, haven't heard anything specifically from Emily area.

I'll look and see what I have going on the 28th. I may be able to help Dean out then. I know I have a boy that would come along.

The more help we can give the better it will be.

Finally got a call through to the resort. They got over 6" of rain. Some branches down, but no other damage. He had to go out and readjust the docks, but that was it. They did lose power for a while, but all is well now.

Hey guys, yes Youth Outdoor Activity Day is rapidly approaching! Thanks for the kind words Jeff. This event really has grown huge. We have a facebook page now (Youth Outdoor Activity Day - Alexandria MN) and are on youtube. We could really use some traffic, likes, comments, shares, etc on our Facebook page. We should also be on Ron Schara's Minnesota Bound very soon. This year we received a Youth Recruitment and Retention grant from the DNR for just over $24,000. Part of that money will be used to give away hundreds (I think about 700) rods and reels, 70 bows and 60 BB guns. We will have 35-40 different activities for kids to do, including trap shooting, archery, tomahawk throwing, geocaching, dog handling, fire building, shelter building, outdoor cooking, climbing wall, etc. We are bringing in a trick shooting archery guy for a presentation as well.

This event is totally free. We will give a tee shirt to the first 2,350 kids who attend and free lunch for everyone.

We will need about 250 volunteers this year I think.

The other thing we need is people to bring kids who do not have the opportunity to try some of these activities. That is our target audience.

Jeff has been helping since the first year at the muzzleloading shotgun station. I am really looking forward to it, as it will be a big day for sure!

God as my witness, I'm not going to give him a single gun with no powder in it this year! Guys, you would not believe how well this event runs. Make plans on coming, either as a volunteer, or bring up a car full of kids who want to learn more about hunting and fishing. We are planning on driving up Sunday morning. We could carpool or caravan from the cities, and this is for one of our own. Those who haven't had a chance to meet Dean are really missing out on one of our truly good guys. It would be great if us Minnesota boys could adopt this as an annual event and give a little back. Who's in? Come on guys-it's only one day. Everybody can free up one day.......

Maybe berettaman will let you use his mini-van to haul those kids up!

Hey guys, was just thinking...we lost grizzly bill two years ago. Please raise him a beer, tip yer hat his direction, and pray for his wife Judy, and their kids.

Here's to ya Bill.

Salutations!

Watch it there buddy-Momma drives a minivan, and if Momma ain't happy, life sucks.

To Bill.

Yes.

yeah sure, I could run down with the Town & Country and pick everyone up in the cities, then swing north and pick everyone up near the border and then back! Cuz I am sure I wont have anything to do just before the event!

I actually bought a new truck this year so I rarely drive the minivan anymore. I used to drive that to the cities to save on fuel $$$ but the new truck does so good on mileage, I just take that.

If anyone is on the fence about attending, this should do it: FREE ice cream!!!

To Bill!

To Bill

Done Tom !

"To Bill"

To Bill.....

to Bill!

It's painful to remember those who've left deer camp, never to return. My group gets bigger every year it seems like. The ominous harbinger that scares the hell out of me, is now guys my age, or younger are joining that group. When I was younger, I just didn't think about this stuff. Mortality has a nasty way of creeping up on you though. One thing is for sure. I will remember those who went before me on opening morning as I do every year. I get more enjoyment out of a beautiful sunrise, a squirrel digging for acorns under my stand than I did when I was younger. The weight of a good rifle hanging on my shoulder as I head out in the pre-dawn darkness. The welcoming smell of a hot cup of coffee out of the thermos. The chickadees that always seem to find me every year.

Here's to all those who went before us and taught us the ropes, shared a hard drag with us, or patted us on the back when we finally made our first kill. Lest we ever, ever forget.