Pope & Young has created the Kevin Hisey Youth Program in memory of its former executive director who died in 2015.

The youth program will seek to increase opportunities for young hunters within the organization and its efforts to enhance conservation while protecting and promoting bowhunting. Pope & Young promotes fair-chase bowhunting through outreach programs, its Junior Outdoors Program and the Youth Bowhunting Awards, with the hope of creating bowhunters for life.

Hisey was a highly respected employee of Pope & Young, coming on board in 1993 and then serving as executive director for 15 years. That was the longest tenure in the organization’s history. Hisey was a diehard bowhunter and promoted youth opportunities whenever possible.

“Kevin was a passionate bowhunter and conservationist, dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of bowhunting, and promoting the ethics of fair chase,” said Kurt Ebers, president of Pope & Young. “He was an official measurer, senior member of the Pope & Young Club, and was always involved in the organization’s youth activities. We couldn’t be prouder to name the Youth Program in his honor.”

The newly developed Junior Outdoors Program is possible through partnerships with private donors. It annually awards big game hunts and other incentives to Pope & Young Youth members. Pope & Young Youth members are eligible for their own awards program via the Youth Bowhunting Awards. Three bowhunting awards were created specifically for Youth members — First Harvest, Youth Big 3 and Small Game Slam.

For more information visit www.pope-young.org