Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Wildlife Appreciation And Conservation Days Educational, Fun Attractions For All

“Let’s get these kids off the couch and outdoors.”

That’s Bruce Burenheide, longtime serving in management at Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply of Emporia.

He’s encouraging and inviting children of all ages, even those most mature often over-exercising rocking chairs, to participate in the 17th annual Wildlife Appreciation and Conservation Days, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6-7.

The educational and fun attractions are being hosted by the farm and ranch business serving the Flint Hills for more than 58 years.

“We work to make this a fun event for everybody,” Burenheide emphasized. “That’s especially the children, who often just don’t know, understand and appreciate the entire wonderful outdoors.”

Among the conservation groups to be in attendance include Lyon County Soil Conservation Service, Kansas Muzzleloaders, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Kansas Hunter’s Education, Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports, Kansas Department Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas Bow Hunters, Kansas Wildlife Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, 4-H Shooting Sports, plus others.

“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,” Burenheide said.

No matter how short, or how young, or how tall, or how old, everybody can test their shooting skills with laser guns and air rifles at the Wildlife Appreciation and Conservation Days, September 6-7, in Emporia.

“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,” Burenheide explained. “There’ll be an air rifle range, and the Kansas Bow Hunters will have an archery shooting range here.”

Additionally planned are a 4-H hover ball range and grilling demonstrations. Only on Friday late afternoon and evening, there’ll also be a fishing casting area open for practicing.

Bows and arrows were all the Indians had to harvest buffalo, deer and even rabbits for food and protection two centuries ago. Today, archery hunting is truly the ultimate sport for heart-and-sole outdoors men, women and children. All can test their abilities at the Kansas Bow Hunters display during the 17th annual Wildlife Appreciation and Conservation Days, September 6-7, in Emporia.

Representatives from several manufacturers who offer products in the store’s sporting goods department will have displays.  Some of these are knives, fishing equipment, bait, guns, ammunition, archery, wild game calls, decoys, storage cabinets, outerwear and more.

A Wiener Wagon with beef and beans is to be operating both days with proceeds to conservation efforts.

There will be drawings for prizes, with the grand prize being a Ruger rifle, Burenheide stated.

Information can be found at www.bluestemfarmandranch.com.

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