In amongst the whitetail, antelope, moose, elk and bear skulls and antlers, a group of men and women who share a passion for hunting and outdoor sportsmanship convened Saturday at Humboldt Motors.

The Humboldt Wildlife Federation drew in its members with the chance to win a turkey at their annual turkey shoot and were also there to measure horns from the fall harvest.

Official measurer, Dave Atamanchuk, says he is thrilled that a new, younger generation of outdoor sportsmen have taken to the field.

"They experience the outdoors with family, they experience the hunt. They're just out there and enjoying it, and learning how to be a sportsman."

Atamanchuk, who is also a conservation specialist with Ducks Unlimited, says he enjoys seeing youth get out there and experiencing hunting and gaming for themselves, and watching them become part of "the hunting fraternity".

Youth in Humboldt and area are often exposed to outdoor sporting through families or neighbours who are involved in the pastime. The Humboldt Wildlife Federation allows them the chance to learn about shooting guns responsibly and ethically, fishing, and quading.

Atamanchuk says the best part about a day like the club hosted Saturday, is seeing that much of the "harvest" brought in was from members who fall into the youth category.

The Federation has a long-standing tradition of recognizing the achievements of its members, young and old, at the annual awards night, usually held in March. Atamanchuk says it's "an incredible feeling" to watch young members accept awards for excellence in outdoor sporting.