KINGSTON TWP.​ — To Chase Lucas, being buried in hay was the highlight of a Waterfowl Retriever Dog Demonstration held last Saturday at Frances Slocum State Park.

Lucas’ parents Victoria and Casey Lucas, of West Pittston, brought Chase, 5 to the event to satisfy his love for the outdoors and for spending time with family.

As a target or “bumper” sailed through the air in a field adjacent to the pool area, Chase, from his spot under the hay, tracked it with a wooden gun.

When the target fell to the ground simulating a successful shot, one of about 10 black Labrador retrievers stood ready to race through the field to retrieve it.

“Chase is a Cub Scout,” said Victoria Lucas. “So, we thought this was a perfect way to spend some the morning.”

Kathy Kelchner, education specialist from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said, although members of the NEPA chapter of the Delta Waterfowl Foundation who organized the event were hunting enthusiasts, the activities of the nonprofit group extend to other areas.

“They also provide a habitat for non-game animals,” she said, “and their members volunteer to provide activities for children.”

Michelle Belles, of Saabi Sil Retrievers, the business that provided the dogs for the event, enjoyed helping out at the event, providing young attendees with the opportunity to enjoy the simulation which included duck and geese decoys that filled the field.

“The park, Saabi Sil and Delta Waterfowl worked together today,” she said.

Rick Valent, of Delta Waterfowl, said hunting and conservation are absolutely consistent.

“In an area where waterfowl are overpopulated, some die,” he said. “We work to maintain a healthy habitat for waterfowl.”

The group keeps an eye on waterfowl populations in order to properly respond.

“Right now, duck population is up, geese population is down,” he said.

The organization, Valent said, seeks to benefit the community in numerous ways.

“Today, we are here working with the kids,” he said. “We also do things like take veterans hunting.”

Kevin Schappert and Matt Novitski provided geese and duck calls meant to draw the waterfowl to an area.

“If they see the waterfowl decoys and hear the calls, they think there is food here for them, that this is a good place to land,” he said.

Ann Magistro and her 6-month-old daughter, Scarlet, were camping at the park and attended the event because of their love for dogs.

“Scarlet just loves seeing puppies,” she said. “They remind her of our Natasha, our pit bull mix at home.”

At the conclusion of the event, many of the over 50 attendees continued to enjoy park offerings, looking forward to camping, swimming and walks near the lake.

Michelle Belles of Saabi-Sil Retrievers and Delta Waterfowl, left, assists Chase Lucas, 5, of West Pittston, inside a layout blind as his mom Victoria and brother Harrison watch during a demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP080617Dog_1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMichelle Belles of Saabi-Sil Retrievers and Delta Waterfowl, left, assists Chase Lucas, 5, of West Pittston, inside a layout blind as his mom Victoria and brother Harrison watch during a demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Dallas Post

Marissa Miller, of Forty Fort, sits in a layout blind with a wooden gun as Dakota takes off to retrieve a training bumper during a waterfowl dog demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP080617Dog_2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMarissa Miller, of Forty Fort, sits in a layout blind with a wooden gun as Dakota takes off to retrieve a training bumper during a waterfowl dog demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Dallas Post

Dakota runs back after retrieving a waterfowl training bumper during a demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP080617Dog_3-1.jpg.optimal.jpgDakota runs back after retrieving a waterfowl training bumper during a demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Dallas Post

Macey runs to retrieve a waterfowl training bumper during a demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP080617Dog_4-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMacey runs to retrieve a waterfowl training bumper during a demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Dallas Post

Sean Hite, of Dupont, helps move an A-frame hunting blind during a waterfowl dog demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP080617Dog_5-1.jpg.optimal.jpgSean Hite, of Dupont, helps move an A-frame hunting blind during a waterfowl dog demonstration at Frances Slocum State Park last Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Dallas Post

Jake Hunsinger, 8, right, and his sister Natalie, 11, both of Mountain Top, peer out of an A-frame hunting blind.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP080617Dog_6-1.jpg.optimal.jpgJake Hunsinger, 8, right, and his sister Natalie, 11, both of Mountain Top, peer out of an A-frame hunting blind. Bill Tarutis | For Dallas Post
Waterfowl Retriever Dog Demonstration held at Frances Slocum

By Geri Gibbons

For Dallas Post

Reach the Dallas Post newsroom at 570-587-1148 or by email at news@s24527.p831.sites.pressdns.com.