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DOWAGIAC — An annual event to support local youth will be returning to Dowagiac next week.

The Dowagiac Conservation Club will hold its 28th annual Hunter’s Rendezvous on Saturday, Feb. 8 at its club grounds, located at 54551 M-51 North, Dowagiac. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is free to all.

The event will have a variety of activities occurring throughout the day.  The club’s trophy barn will be open with various displays and will house certified scorers.  If you have a trophy you would like scored, you can bring it to the event and have it completed for free.   People who bring any type of trophy for display, by 2 pm, will be entered into a free raffle for a hand-forged knife from Jeremiah Jones of Triple J Knives.  

For youth aged 16 and under there will be free raffles just for being in attendance and hands-on activities and presentations for the kids to experience throughout the day, including an ongoing nature program presented by Outdoor Discovery Center, from 12-3pm.  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have a representative on hand to answer questions and share information.  Weather permitting, Bad Axe Billys will be on site with free Axe throwing.

In our main raffle this year participants could win a CVA Cascade XT .450 Bushmaster with Vortex Scope, a chest freezer filled with meat donated by Clear Water Meats, River Charter donated by Gold Coast Fishing Company, or a Camouflage Recliner donated by Imperial Furniture.  1,000 Main Raffle tickets will be sold at $10 per ticket.  Presales can be made during business hours at Hales Hardware or Imperial Furniture, both in Dowagiac. There will also be a silent auction and bucket raffles with various items including gift baskets, apparel, handcrafted items, outdoor equipment, and gift cards to various businesses. 

Back by popular demand, we are asking for photos of “Youth in the Outdoors” to use for a slideshow during the event. Photos can be of kids hunting, fishing, boating, archery, or just enjoying nature. Submissions can be sent to dccyouthfund@gmail.com. This year will also feature a Bonfire with smores; additional food will be available for purchase.

During the event you can also register for the 12th annual Squirrel Hunt that takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9. The cost for the two-person team is $40. Contact Adam Maxey, (269) 340-2358, for more information.  

The Hunters Rendezvous is the club’s primary fundraiser for the youth education fund which initiates various programs throughout the year. The ultimate goal of the fund is to educate youth by providing an opportunity to safely explore the joys of nature. In 2024, the club hosted a youth archery program, purchased nature books to distribute to free little libraries, Sponsored Dowagiac 5th Grade field trips to Fernwood and Sarrett Nature Center, donated $3,600 to Cassopolis 5th Grade Students to spend three days at camp and contributed to our Southwestern Michigan College scholarship. The club is operated by volunteers who believe in the importance of their mission. 

For additional information about the Hunter’s Rendezvous, Youth Education Programs at the Dowagiac Conservation Club, or if you’re interested in donating to the event, please contact Craig Lyons (269) 876-7998 or Adam Maxey (269) 340-2358.