This year, Seneca Conservation District (SCD) again hosted the Brian Wilkerson Memorial rabbit hunt at Proving Ground Farm (PGF).  Each year, the Wilkerson Family of Clyde holds a youth rabbit hunt at Proving Ground Farm in honor of their son, Brian, whose life was tragically cut short in an automobile accident in 2019.  Brian was a lover of the outdoors and the family felt that this annual event is a testament to one of Brian’s biggest passions.  The Wilkerson Family partners with the Seneca County Chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF) to provide an opportunity to area youth hunters to hunt rabbits with beagle hounds.

This year’s hunt took place on Saturday, December 10^th.  The weather on the day of the hunt was cloudy and calm and, according to Dave Bruns, a local beagler and volunteer for the hunt, was perfect weather for the hunt.  In total, nine hunters took part in the hunt but only one rabbit was harvested by the hunters.  All hunters had an opportunity at a rabbit but for various reasons, only one was bagged.

There are several volunteers who assist in this hunt and they provide the beagles, lunch, and logistical support.  Additionally, each hunter must be accompanied by an adult mentor to assist the hunters in gun safety, hunting guidance, and ethics.

Bruns explained that hunters are chosen randomly from the list of applicants.  The event is separated into a morning hunt and an afternoon hunt.  Lunch is served between the two hunts.

The SCD is proud to be a part of this hunt and hope for it to become an annual event for years to come.  There are additional hunting opportunities at PGF that are posted on our website, including the Impaired Mobility Deer Hunt, Deer Muzzleloader Hunt, and the Youth Turkey Hunt.  PGF is closed to our daily users at PGF when these hunts occur, so watch for signage and dates indicated.