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Youth Hunting Championships May 14 in Upton, WY

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

UPTON, WY --(Ammoland.com)- A unique partnership between South Dakota and Wyoming will provide an opportunity for kids interested in the outdoors.

The Youth Hunter Education Challenge, as it’s officially called, will be held May 14 near Upton, Wyo., and young hunters do not need to qualify in a regional or district tournament to compete. All Wyoming and South Dakota youth 18 and under who have passed hunter education courses are eligible to showcase their hunting skills and probably learn a little, too.

The challenge tests youngsters in sporting clay-style trap shooting, .22 rifle, muzzleloader and archery marksmanship, wildlife identification, orienteering and hunter safety judgments.

“The challenge is designed to be fun for all participants – not just the winners,” said Curt Robertson, South Dakota’s GFP hunter education coordinator.

This is the fourth year the challenge has been hosted by the Upton Gun Club and officially sanctioned by the National Rifle Association. Winners in both age categories – 15-18 and 14 and under – are eligible to advance to the international competition to be held July 24-29 at NRA’s Whittington Center near Raton, N.M.

In addition to the South Dakota and Wyoming Game, Fish and Parks departments and the gun club, the challenge is sponsored by the Wyoming Friends of the NRA and a variety of Wyoming businesses. All participants receive prizes for competing.

In the spirit of interstate cooperation, South Dakota young hunters have been participating in the challenge since 2009.

“Because Upton is close to the border, Wyoming has let South Dakota particapants join in the fun,” Roberston said.

He adds that although the youngsters from both states participate in the same tests, they will not be competing against each other. Winners will be crowned from both states.

To participate, youngsters need to submit copies of their hunter education card, birth certificate, photo and pay a $10 entry fee. Entry forms are available by emailing Curt.Robertson@state.sd.us .
For more info, call GFP employees Curt Robertson at 605-223-7666 or Rick Rothleutner of the Upton Gun Club at 307-281-9980.

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Ducks Unlimited Conservation Efforts To Support Waterfowl In Goshen County Wyoming

Ducks Unlimited

TORRINGTON, Wy --(Ammoland.com)- Goshen County is a focal point for some of Ducks Unlimited’s most important wetland and waterfowl habitat restoration efforts in Wyoming.

Since DU began work in Wyoming they have conserved 1,173 acres of waterfowl habitat in this county alone.

The ‘Goshen Hole’ wetland complex has long been recognized as an important waterfowl breeding area in the state. The area provides migratory ducks and geese with an important stopover point during spring migration to the prairie breeding grounds. DU’s conservation efforts in the area focus on restoration of degraded wetlands, improving the ability of managers to utilize water resources for waterfowl and placing conservation easements on key parcels of land that benefit waterfowl.

“Goshen County has a great mix of riverine and pothole habitats preferred by migrating ducks and geese,” said Matt Reddy, DU regional biologist. “These natural wetlands combine with the reservoirs and irrigation ditches run by local producers to provide great conditions for our waterfowl visitors.”

Over the past few years, DU has delivered several wetland projects conserving 906 acres in Goshen County. These projects were funded in part by the North American Wetland Conservation Act, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and private landowners. These projects involved improving water management capabilities to enhance and improve waterfowl migration, breeding and brood rearing habitat on private lands.

The landowners of these properties are better able to manage water levels to promote beneficial vegetation growth and provide dependable water for the ducks. DU will monitor the properties and work with the landowners to maximize waterfowl use of the restored wetlands.

About:
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Visit www.ducks.org

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