Last weekend, 76 kids and their families gathered at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological site near Hyattville for a fun filled day of outdoor activities.

Coordinated by State Parks and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the event aimed to give kids an opportunity to try a variety of outdoor related activities and spark an interest in the great outdoors.  “It’s all about inspiring a conservation ethic and instilling an appreciation for the amazing natural resources we have in our state,” said Tara Hodges, information and education specialist for Game and Fish.  
 
Approximately 35 State Park staff, Game and Fish staff and community volunteers provided instruction for participants as they rotated though different activity stations.   Special thanks to the numerous volunteers that made the day a success and to sponsors Devon Energy, Paintrock Hunter Mentor Program, East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited, North Platte Walleyes and the Big Horn Basin Chapter of  Walleyes Unlimited. 

Cody Region Wildlife Supervisor Dan Smith coaches an outdoor day participant at the archery station. 

Conservation Educator Katie Simpson leads the macroinvertebrate investigations activity for kids ages 11-12. 

Outdoor day participants show off their turkey targets at the shotgun station. 


An outdoor day participant takes aim at a target at the air rile station for the beginner age group (kids ages 8-10).



(Upper left) Participants in the advanced age group (ages 13-17) investigated a mock wildlife crime scene of a poached deer.  Kids are pictured making a cast of a boot track left at the "crime scene".
 
(Upper Right) Kort Sorensen shows off his target at the .22 long rifle station for the intermediate age group.