“Let’s get these kids off the couch and outdoors.”
That’s Bruce Burenheide, longtime management at Bluestem Farm & Ranch in Emporia, encouraging and inviting children of all ages, even those most mature often over-exercising rocking chairs, to participate in the 13th annual Wildlife Appreciation and Conservation Days, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, hosted by the business serving the Flint Hills for more than 54 years.
“We work to make this an educational and fun day for everybody and especially the children, who often just don’t know, understand and appreciate the entire wonderful outdoors, especially the rich bottomland and world renowned native grassland Flint Hills,” Burenheide emphasized.
Among the conservation groups to be in attendance are Quail Unlimited, Kansas Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Kansas Hunter Education, Camp Alexander, Kansas Fur Harvesters, Kansas Muzzleloaders, Kansas Rifle Association, and the local Beau Arndt Foundation.
“These important organizations come into the store, set up booths and welcome an opportunity to meet everyone to explain about the importance of wildlife and conservation to the region,” Buenheide said.
“Officials from the Kansas Wildlife and Parks will have their laser shooting booth for everyone to test their skills on all kinds of game and targets, and there’ll be air-rifle and BB-gun ranges. The Kansas Bow Hunters will also have their archery shooting range here,” said Burenheide.
There will be representatives from several manufacturers who offer products in the store’s sporting goods department. Some of these are knives, guns, archery, wild game and waterfowl calls, storage cabinets, outer ware, ammunition and the like.
Gas-fueled grills are to be set up outdoors for a hot dog stand with beef and beans for brunch, dinner, or early supper. “All proceeds from the stand will be divided among the conservation groups,” Burenheide related.
There will be drawings for prizes, with the grand prize being a Henry rifle, Burenheide stated.
Information can be found at www.bluestemfarmandranch.com.
