Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Pheasant season is kicking off in southern Idaho.

And, thanks to an Idaho Fish and Game program, dozens of local kids had the opportunity to do a little hunting.

For kids like 11–year old Steel James, a day pheasant hunting with his dad and best friend is a day well spent.

"It was very fun. There were a lot of birds that we got. We could've had six. We got three, half of it. It's been a very fun day," said James.

James is one of about twenty kids who started opening day with a bang.

It was part of a mentored youth hunt put on by the Fish and Game.

"Today will give our kids, who have taken hunter education recently, a chance to put into practice the good things they've learned,” said Clayton Nielson, Idaho Fish and Game.

Fish and Game brought about 70 pheasants along with them. The birds came from a farm in Hagerman and each bird was placed into a pheasant launcher for the hunt.

"It'll make it a safer hunt for the kids and also their success rate should be better," said Nielson.

Fish and Game relies on license fees to support its wildlife management goals.

Programs like this one are important to ensure hunting opportunities for future generations.

"With good management and support from the people of Idaho this will continue for all future generations that's our goal," said Nielson.

And, it seems to be working.

"I killed one, my best friend Steel killed two. It was really fun," said Tyson Strunk, youth hunter.

"Hunting the birds. Just the fun of moving around and trying to figure out where the bird is. It's a mystery," said James.

"We shot clay pigeons, we learned how to clean pheasants and we shot pheasants," said Rylan Berg, youth hunter.

That's three young hunters who appear to be hooked.

If you'd like more information about youth hunting opportunities

Contact the Fish and Game at 324-4350.