In 1996, Pheasants Forever developed a program with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission that allows boys and girls ages 11 to 16 who have recently completed a Hunter Safety Education class to attend a "Youth Mentor Hunt." Youth enrolling in this program are given instruction on various hunting related topics such as dog training, reloading shot shells, hunter safety, blue rock shooting, how to ask a landowner for permission to hunt, etc. in a one day, mentored setting. Also part of the day is an actual pheasant hunt with a mentor and dog handler. This program has been very rewarding and is designed to target those youth that have a strong interest in hunting, but limited opportunities to go hunting. In 2009, PF will be conducting over 67 "Youth Mentor Hunts" throughout Nebraska.