The Flat River Youth Hunt accommodated a record 54 youth hunters and more than 100 people for breakfast and lunch at the Jan. 17 event.
The annual hunt, which started about 15 years ago, was coordinated by Wildlife staff from the DNR's Flat River Field Office in partnership with several organizations.
"This year's youth hunt was a resounding success," said James Miller, a wildlife biologist in the Flat River office in Belding. "The feedback we received from participant groups was 100% positive."
For the second straight year, every youth hunter had the chance to hunt behind a squirrel or rabbit dog. More than 30 squirrels were harvested in the Flat River State Game Area and local private lands. The youth hunters were shown how to process and prep small game for consumption.
"Connecting small game harvest to meals for a family is an invaluable skill to teach youth," Miller noted.
Each youth hunter received a prize and a raffle was conducted for larger prizes including guns and gun cases. Participating organizations included Belding Sportsman's Club, Michigan Squirrel Dog Association, Triple H Sports, National Deer Association and Christianity Outdoors.
"I had several groups, both new and old, come up and thank us for putting on the event," Miller said. "We look forward to a great 2027 event."