JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) Annual Event

Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of NWTF hosted their annual JAKES event at Parker Canyon Lake on June 6, 2026 with 36 children from 10-17 years old participating, along with their families.  Pre-registration was required to attend with a cost of $10 per child which covered the cost of NWTF insurance requirements, lunch for all participants, free fly rod/reel combination and flies, and a day filled with laughter and knowledge gained.

The participants were divided into 3 separate groups as they rotated through 3 learning stations, including introduction to kayaks/water safety by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Fly fishing basics by the San Pedro Flycasters, and how to filet and fry catfish through the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter.

At lunch children and families, totaling 68 individuals, enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, watermelon and drinks prepared by 16 volunteers with shade, tables and chairs provided by a large popup courtesy of HGC. 

This event is held annually, alternating between Sierra Vista and Parker Canyon Lake and would not be possible without the support of partner organizations and volunteers giving freely of their time.

HGC wants to thank the following organizations and their volunteers for assisting with this fun-filled day on the water:

National Wild Turkey Federation Arizona State Chapter

The Huachucans of Sierra Vista for providing a youth grant

Arizona Game and Fish Department Watercraft Division

San Pedro Flycasters for their expert instruction and for purchase of fly rod and reels and flies

Southern Arizona Quail Forever volunteers who cooked a wonderful lunch

HGC Board members and volunteers: Wayne Kaiser, David Kemnitz (Tori and Jaheim), John Millican, Robert Bridges -Rob hand tied an assortment of fly patterns and gave each child 8 flies for them to use on their next flyfishing outing.