I like to show support for good organizations, and the Warrior Trail Gobblers are one. The 2026 National Wild Turkey Federation JAKES event at Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve once again highlighted the organization’s commitment to introducing young people to the outdoors, conservation and responsible hunting traditions.
For the 15th year, the annual gathering brought together youth hunters, families, volunteers and mentors for a day centered on education, sportsmanship and outdoor recreation. Building on years of success, the event demonstrated how local conservation organizations continue shaping the next generation of outdoorsmen and women through hands-on experiences and mentorship. This year’s event was the largest in its history with over 194 kids and their parents participating. They also set a record for “harvested birds” with 40 taken during the early PA youth hunt.
The NWTF’s JAKES program, which stands for “Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship,” was created to educate hunters under the age of 17 about wildlife conservation, hunting ethics and outdoor skills. Across the country, JAKES events provide opportunities for young participants to safely learn activities such as archery, firearm safety, and fishing and wildlife management. The Hunting Hills event has become one of the region’s most recognized youth outreach programs because of its combination of hands-on learning stations and mentored hunting opportunities.
The 2026 event continued that tradition by offering participants a wide range of outdoor activities designed to engage both experienced and first-time youth hunters. Young attendees rotated through stations featuring archery, BB gun shooting, sporting clays, trout fishing and trapping demonstrations. These activities allowed participants to gain practical outdoor knowledge while building confidence in a supervised environment.
One of the highlights of the weekend remained the mentored youth turkey hunt held prior to the event. Local volunteers guided young hunters into the field, many experiencing turkey hunting for the first time. The hunt not only gave participants the excitement of pursuing wild turkeys but also taught patience, responsibility and respect for wildlife.
Organizers have consistently stressed the event’s greatest success lies not in trophies but in creating lasting memories and encouraging a lifelong appreciation for conservation and hunting heritage.
Equally important to the success of the 2026 JAKES event was the strong community support behind it. Volunteers from Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia worked alongside sponsors and donors to make the event accessible for local families. The collaborative atmosphere reflected the broader mission of the NWTF: conserving wildlife habitat while preserving America’s hunting traditions for future generations. Many former JAKES participants now return as parents, volunteers and sponsors themselves, illustrating the lasting impact the program has on youth and communities alike.
The event served as more than just a youth field day. It represented an investment in conservation education, mentorship and the future of outdoor recreation. Through activities that combined fun, learning and fellowship, the gathering continues to inspire young people to become responsible hunters and stewards of the outdoors.
