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 to provide an opportunity to area youth hunters to hunt rabbits with beagle hounds.

This year’s hunt was planned for Saturday, December 11th, but due to the storms and winds that rolled through the area that day, it was postponed until Sunday, the 12th. That was a good call since better weather prevailed on Sunday.

In total, four hunters took part in the hunt and six rabbits were bagged by the hunters. 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.

Dave Bruns, a local beagler and volunteer for the hunt explained that hunters are chosen randomly from the list of applicants. Two hunters take part in the morning hunt and two different hunters are on the afternoon hunt. Lunch is served between the two hunts. Bruns noted that, this year, all four hunters bagged at least one rabbit and he added that they were the first rabbits ever taken by each hunter. Bruns estimated that there were 15-20 people at PGF for the lunch meal.

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 visitors when these hunts occur, so watch for signage and dates indicated.