A wildlife group in Pilot Mound continues to work at getting youth involved in more outdoor activities.

This past Saturday the Mound Wildlife Association hosted its annual Youth Fishing Derby. “We had a great day with 42 kids out to fish and to enjoy the event” said volunteer Travis Saban.

Last year 35 youth showed up to fish and organizers were hoping to get closer to 50 this year. “We hit 42 and that's great and even better was the number of fish they caught. In 2016 only seven fish were caught and this year they brought in 52.”

Saban said 46 were perch, there was one Northern Pike and one Walleye that turned out to be the biggest fish caught all day. “It was fantastic seeing the kids out there enjoying the day and catching fish while interacting with each other. We also have to thank the parents for bringing the kids out to the reservoir.”

As for the future, the derby will return. The wildlife group holds an ice fishing derby every winter and the youth derby in the spring.

Saban said some of the youth stayed after the derby to keep fishing and many returned the next day. “That's what it is all about to provide the youth with an opportunity to experience the outdoors and fishing.”

Youngest derby participant just 2 years old