For the Antigo Times

Birds were the focus of the latest Langlade County 4-H Archery meeting on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Js Archery and Pro-shop. Elyse, an educational instructor with REGI, brought 4 different winged ambassadors to share with the local 4-H members during their wildlife ecology portion of the night’s activities. As part of the 4-H Archery plan, members participate in 45-50 minutes of shooting skills and a 45-50 minute wildlife ecology lesson. The focus of the wildlife ecology lessons is to prepare our youth to be better care takers of the world around them. This year’s lessons are focusing on bird health, land conservation, recycling, forestry, animal tracking, and more. So today’s 4-H archers are doing more than just working on a skill for a competition or the hunt. They are actively engaged in lessons that protect our environment.

The wildlife ecology lessons are led by a variety of individuals. The community many be invited in to share information or 4-H members may conduct research and lead the wildlife ecology lessons. This year Nick Luerssen, Lauren Hackbarth, and Masha Anderson will be sharing at upcoming meetings.

Regi’s visit was a great fit for Sunday night. Elyse’s team of visitors included “BJ” an American Kesserel, “Elva” a Screech Owl, “Storm” an European Barn Owl, and “BW” a Turkey Vulture. The 4-Her’s learned the difference between a raptor and scavengers, habits, food sources, and what to do when injured birds are found in the wild. After the presentations, the 4-Hers presented Elyse with donations of cleaning supplies, blankets, and food items. The Langlade County 4-H Archery program will also support REGI by adopting one of their birds for a year.