Area youth learn about wildlife, nature at Libby Dam Youth Hunt

The 2024 Lake Koocanusa Youth Deer Hunt and Campout, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Libby Dam, was another big success.

Held on the weekend of Montana’s youth hunt Oct. 16-18, several area kids, ages 10-15, from Libby, Troy and Plains participated while learning hunting skills and enjoying the wonders of Lincoln County’s natural environment.

Libby Dam Natural Resource Specialist Paige King coordinated the event for the first time and was thrilled with the community response.

“The hunters saw several deer and one - Oren Kruse - bagged his first buck, a 3x5 whitetail,” King said. “We also had great support from area businesses and agencies. The Libby Dam Cooperative Association and local community members volunteering to help secure giveaways, hunting materials and food for the youth hunt and campout would not have been possible without their dedication and motivation.”

In addition, several hunters harvested grouse and one found two antler sheds. King said several groups observed owls, a cow moose, black bears, bull elk and bald eagles, all the while practicing identifying a variety of animal tracks.

“The Lake Koocanusa Youth Deer Hunt is being held to provide a recreational opportunity to the next generation promoting wildlife management, stewardship, camaraderie and respect for the sport and animals,” King said. “This hunt is an effort to provide proper access, facilities and other needed resources so these individuals can enjoy a safe and successful recreational experience.”

Two of the teachers included Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens, Sawyer Johnson and Jacob Haberlock.

“We invited the wardens and they taught the kids species identification for whitetail vs. mule deer, discussed hunter safety, hunting ethics and answer any questions the kids had,” King said.

The youth hunters also had mentors, which included parents, grandparents or guardians. For those that didn’t have a family member that can take them, several qualified workers at the dam  offered to take out participants who have completed their hunter’s safety. 

“This year we had three youth hunters from the community that had a mentor from Libby Dam,” King said.

There was an application process and it was advertised by posting fliers, on Facebook and at a local hunter safety class at the Libby Elementary School.

Kids were asked to provide answers to two written questions on the application, including why they want to participate and two things they’d like to learn.

Some of those responses included:

- “I want to participate in the youth hunt because I have never hunted before. I would like to have a chance to hunt. I like to be outdoors and want to provide for my family.”

- “With my grandpa getting older and my mother in school I don’t really have anybody to take me out hunting.”

- “How to properly gut an animal.”

- “To improve my hunting skills. I also want to continue to learn how to be a better hunter.”

Part of the weekend includes a campout at the dam. The U.S. Forest Service donated two wall tents for the kids’ sleeping quarters.

“This is where everyone shared meals together, talked about their day in the woods and learned from each other’s experiences out hunting,” King said. “In the evening after dinner, we had a fire going and roasted S’mores.”

Libby Dam Natural Resource Manager Tana Wilson was pleased with how things went.

“This is Ranger King’s first time coordinating Libby Dam’s Youth Hunt and she really showed great enthusiasm and passion for the event,” Wilson said. “She went above and beyond to ensure these new hunters had safe experiences and learned from great mentors. She was able to coordinate and secure not only meals, but quality gear that will help these new hunters in their future hunting seasons. An event like this takes a lot of time and energy to be a success, Ranger King and the mentors made a positive impact on this next generation of hunters.”

The donors and supports of the event included GCI Outdoors, Orca, Klymit, Stone Glacier and Forloh. Dinners were donated by Rosauers and Burger Express. 

“In prior years’ youth hunts and including this one, we have received donations and support from the Twisted Turtle, Rosauers, McDonalds, O’Bleness Construction, NAPA Auto Parts, Libby Floor Covering, Alpine Precision Inc., Venture Inn, Smoking Gun BBQ, Tom Wood Insurance, Switchback, Masters Touch Electric, Libby Empire Foods, Glacier Bank, Formula Fabrication, Libby Sports Center, JB’s Les Schwab, Montana Machine Noble Excavation, Bearly Awake, Rick’s Rentals, Pizza Hut and Carquest,” King said. “We needed a quick turnaround time for the sweatshirts and Twisted Turtle made that happen! We would like to thank everyone in the community that helps support the Libby Dam Youth Hunt and Campout. It is a tradition we would enjoy having for years to come. Bringing the community together and creating hunting opportunities for youth is something a lot of us here at the Dam are passionate about.”

    Mentors and youth all had a good time at the Libby Dam Youth Hunt and Campout last month. (Libby Dam courtesy photo)