Idaho Fish and Game will host its 12th annual Youth Outdoor Skills Day this weekend at Beaver Dick Park.
The event is free to the public and includes a wide range of activities such as teaching and hands-on demonstrations in archery, muzzle-loading, hunter education, outdoor survival and more. There will also be a free hot dog lunch for everyone in attendance while supplies last.
Upper Snake Regional Communications Manager James Brower says that although activities are primarily geared toward youth ages 6-14, parents love them too.
"I know a lot of adults that have a lot more fun than the kids do for sure," Brower said. "It's really a good time for everybody, so regardless of your age, there will be something for you there. We have a lot of adults that learn about and find activities that they maybe weren't aware of or weren't familiar with so they have just as much fun and enjoy it too."
Brower says the whole point of the Youth Outdoor Skills Day is to help the kids get involved in the outdoors.
"There's a lot of stuff to learn and a lot of stuff to do in Idaho,” Brower said. “Lots of people are unfamiliar or didn't have these opportunities growing up and this is their chance to get some first-hand knowledge about all that we have to offer in Idaho."
Around 400 families attend the event each year.
"We have people that come every single year," Brower said. "There's always a bunch of familiar faces. There's people that plan trips around this event and there's so many things to love there."
One of the fan-favorite activities is when the East Idaho Houndsmen bring their dogs to the park and allow the youth to lead them on their leashes. They show youth and their families how they hunt with the hounds and Brower says people enjoy watching the dogs bark and howl.
If you're wondering why you should bring your family, Brower gives a pretty good reason.
"As a father of a family of five children, one of the big draws for me is that it's free," Brower said. "It's a really fun activity to do with your kids for the day that won't cost you anything. There's lots and lots to do. Lots of friendly faces, lots of fun activities. It's hard to beat when you don't have to pay for it."
Youth Outdoor Skills Day will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at Beaver Dick Park, located west of Rexburg on Highway 33. For more information, visit IDFG’s website.