The month of May is already here and that means people are outdoors pursuing all types of activities.

I pass fishing boats on trailers daily and see the serious Spring Gobbler hunters out early on my way to work each morning. I have to admit that I am a bit envious that I haven’t been able to break my schedule free from other responsibilities to join my brethren on the water or woodlands.

One activity that is fast approaching is one that every family with kids interested in outdoor adventure should put on their calendar. This event is the annual Youth Field Days started by the Pennsylvania Game Commission years ago.

Each county sponsors the event and Butler County Youth Field Day is being held on June 1.

The location for the Youth Field Day is at the beautiful facilities of the Butler Hunting and Fishing Club in East Butler. This all-day event starts at 8 a.m. and finishes up at 3 p.m.

The best part of the entire event is that it is free for youth ages 5-16. Get the kids out of the house to enjoy a day away from the television and video games!

Come enjoy a day of fishing, canoeing, archery, air rifle range, turkey calling, dog demonstrations, snake and bee keeping demonstrations and much more.

The event is supervised by Law Enforcement Officers and Range Masters. The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission will supervise water events with the canoes and fishing activities.

The different Butler County Sportsmen’s clubs are sponsors for all the area kids who want to attend no matter where they live. All equipment is provided, free lunch, T-shirts, door prizes and outdoor demonstrations go on all day! A great way for families to start off the summer outdoors!

The only catch is that you must preregister your group starting right now at http://www.register-ed.com/events/view/32155 or http://butleryfd.webstarts.com. The registration deadline is May 24.

No walk-ins will be allowed and all youth must be accompanied by an adult (parent, guardian, relative, etc.) If you have any questions about YFD, contact organizers John Hertzog at 724-321-1877 or Bob Stephenson at 724-283-9199 — Bob reminds me that if you would like to help sponsor this event with cash or prizes you can contact him soon at his number.

If you can’t make this event, the PA Fish and Boat Commission is sponsoring a Family Fishing Festival on June 22 and two Fish for Free Days on Memorial Day and on the Fourth of July at our very own Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park.

Family fishing days are ways to introduce new anglers and old anglers to the joy of this outdoor activity. No license is required and the Family Fishing Festival is truly a wonderful educational and recreational experience for the family that wants to try a new activity or has never been introduced to the skill sets needed for angling.

All equipment and supplies are provided at no cost to the participants, so why not give it a try and make a day of it! For more information contact www.TakeMeFishingPa.com Pre registration is required.

Until we meet again, get outside and do something in the great outdoors. I plan on getting the Fish Hawk out real soon and hitting the fishing circuit.

Those crappies and walleyes are calling my name … or as my wife says, you are just hearing things again!

Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.