14-year-old Emily DeCuir of Spring Hill won a Tennessee Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License, given by TWF Board Member Tom Rice.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Tennessee --(Ammoland.com)- More than 120 student-athletes from Tennessee’s Scholastic Clay Target Program assembled at the Lannom Center in Dyersburg the evening of Feb. 3 with their parents, coaches, sponsors and guides to kick off the 4th Annual Tennessee Wildlife Federation Davis P. Rice Youth Waterfowl Hunt.

At the banquet Friday, a crowd of about 300 enjoyed a barbecue dinner while TWF Director of Ecological Services Chad Whittenburg served as master of ceremonies and hunt director. No one left empty handed – gear from Delta Waterfowl, Final Flight Outfitters and Ducks Unlimited was given away hand over fist, and a lifetime license and college scholarships were presented to a few lucky winners.

Tom Rice, a longtime TWF Board member whose son, Davis, was killed in an automobile accident in 2007, has always been focused on introducing kids to the outdoors. Rice funded one Tennessee Lifetime Hunting License, won by 14-year-old Emily DeCuir of Spring Hill.

Several students won cash scholarships. Murphy Watkins of McKenzie and Alicia Smits of Spring Hill each won $250 scholarships from Delta Waterfowl; Hunter Finan of Jackson and Ryan Scarlett of New Market won a $250 prize from Final Flight; And last but not least, Bryan Tefft of New Johnsonville and Hunter York of Dickson each won $500 scholarships from the TWF’s Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program.

Saturday morning found the young hunters spread across 18 farms in West Tennessee. RIO Ammunition had provided shotgun shells, and the guides were able to work ducks and geese into range.

“These kids are excellent shooters, but the majority of them had never been hunting before,” Whittenburg says. “It was an experience they likely won’t forget, and we sparked an interest that will help continue that great tradition.”

In addition to TWF, Delta Waterfowl, Final Flight Outfitters, RIO Ammunition and the Tennessee Army National Guard, other sponsors included Sweeping Corporation of America, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the City of Dyersburg, Dyersburg Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited and Stites & Harbison PLC.

About:
The Purpose of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation is to champion the conservation, sound management and enjoyment of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources for current and future generations through stewardship, advocacy and education. Visit: www.tnwf.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs (A638), a bill that the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has made a priority to become law was unanimously approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week.

NJOA (CF) council members present at the hearing and testifying in favor of the bill were New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. Other groups also testified for the bill, including New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association.

Committee members:

• Albano, Nelson T. (D)
• Clifton, Robert D. (R)
• Wilson, Gilbert L. (D)
• Caride, Marlene (D)
• Dancer, Ronald S. (R)

Bill sponsors:

• Rumpf, Brian E. as Primary Sponsor
• Conaway, Herb, Jr. as Primary Sponsor
• Gove, DiAnne C. as Primary Sponsor
• Albano, Nelson T. as Primary Sponsor
• Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor
• Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
• McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor
• Moriarty, Paul D. as Co-Sponsor
• Chiusano, Gary R. as Co-Sponsor
• Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor
• Peterson, Erik as Co-Sponsor
• Burzichelli, John J. as Co-Sponsor

Bill A638 (HOFNOD) would establish a program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage children to avoid drug use. HOFNOD is a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states.

The program’s funding source would be the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund (DEDRF) from which there would be a $200,000 appropriation to support the cost of implementing the program. This is a statutory account established to receive fines and penalties from convicted drug offenders that are used to support State authorized drug and alcohol abuse abatement programs.

Ed Markowski, President of NJOA (EP) and a long-time champion of the bill said, “HOFNOD is a uniquely designed approach to drug prevention among our youth. It is as effective with urban kids as it is with suburban and rural kids. HOFNOD consists of developing positive life skills while providing an appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors with the catalyst being the teaching of angling skills to school-aged children.”

The legislation is scheduled to be heard by Senate Environment and Energy Committee (S178) on Thursday, February 9, 2012. If approved, it would need to be passed by the full Assembly and full Senate to be sent to Governor Christie to be signed into law.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) are encouraging hunters 15 years of age or younger to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year competition.

The contest requires youth hunters to submit a story about their hunting experience along with photographs of the hunt. LDWF and LOWA will then select a male and female youth hunter of the year based upon the stories and photos that are received.

Visit the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.state.la.us/hunting/youth-hunter-registry-programfor information on the Youth Hunter Registry Program and the2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest.

Youth hunters who participated in any hunting activity during the 2011-12 hunting season are encouraged to participate. This is not a big buck or turkey contest. The program is about youths enjoying a hunting experience, with or without success, and keeping the hunting tradition alive in Louisiana. The deadline to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest is June 30, 2012.

The two winners will be recognized at the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Conference this summer. Winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge.

Additionally, all participants who register their 2011-12 hunting experiences with the Youth Hunter Registry Program will be eligible to win a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters (winner to be selected by a random drawing).

For more information, contact Scott Durham at 225-765-2351 or sdurham@wlf.la.govor David Moreland at 225-978-6552 or helfinroots@hotmail.com.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.govon Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffbor follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

Elliott Jonasson of La Grande, with a turkey taken in the Catherine Creek Unit (Union County) during the 2011 youth spring turkey season. - Photo by ODFW

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

SALEM, Ore --(Ammoland.com)- This year’s youth spring turkey season will be April 7, 8 and 9, 2012 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).

The season dates are misprinted in the current 2011-12 Oregon Game Bird Regulations (page 15).

Due to an ODFW staff error, the regulations list April 8-9, 2012 (Sunday-Monday) as the season dates.

Youth turkey season is always the weekend before the general spring turkey season which begins on April 15.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a rule that will begin the season on Saturday, April 7 and extend it by one day this year due to the error.

The youth spring turkey season is open to licensed hunters age 17 and under.

Youth that don’t fill their tag during the youth season can go on to hunt the general season April 15-May 31.

The youth turkey season is one of several youth-only hunts in Oregon.

MidwayUSA Sponsors the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience at the 2012 DSC Convention

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- New for the 2012 convention season, Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA have teamed up with key conservation groups to offer a Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE) program at each annual convention.

High school students will have an opportunity to learn about conservation, ethical hunting standards, wildlife research and much more!

Thanks to a generous donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders of MidwayUSA, 400 high school students from the Dallas, TX area had the opportunity to participate in this free event at last week’s Dallas Safari Club (DSC) “Out of the Wild” convention, in collaboration with the Dallas Ecological Foundation’s (DEF) Outdoor Adventures Education program.

“I believe in order to achieve our vision, America needs the DSC and America needs to invest more money in youth education,” said Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “Brenda and I think the YWCE program will change the future of America, and seeing this exciting program get off the ground is very rewarding, and we thank the DSC for being a partner and launching this major effort.”

At the YWCE experience, students had the opportunity to visit over 1,300 vendors from around the world and sit down with professional guides, biologist and outfitters to learn more about wildlife conservation.

“The YWCE initiative is designed to educate youth on the importance of wildlife conservation, and the role of the hunters, outfitters, conservation groups and local governments in the sustained use of wildlife around the world,” said Scot McClure, DEF Coordinator.” “This message is not taught in our schools today. We want to continue to share this message in all wildlife conservation efforts and programs.”

About MidwayUSA
MidwayUSA (http://www.midwayusa.com) is a family-owned catalog and internet retailer specializing in Just About Everything℠ for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting. Now celebrating our 35th Anniversary, Larry and Brenda Potterfield turned their passion for shooting sports into a career in 1977 by opening a small retail firearms store that would eventually become MidwayUSA. MidwayUSA is still owned by the Potterfield Family and Customer Satisfaction is still our Number One Goal.

For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit our website or call 800-243-3220.

Kansas Waconda Lake Youth & Women Pheasant Hunt A Big Success

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

GLEN ELDER, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- “There were 18 happy and tired kids — both girls and boys — leaving the Waconda Lake [Glen Elder Reservoir] area and heading home on the night of Saturday, Dec. 10,” said Chris Lecuyer, Glen Elder Wildlife Area manager.

These new hunters had just wrapped up a full day of activities after participating in the 14th Annual 2011 Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt. The event is co-sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc., of Wichita.

“We began before sunrise with a biscuits and gravy breakfast served by the Waconda Struttin’ Dusters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation,” Lecuyer said. “The youngsters listened to a quick talk concerning regulations and safety, and then we introduced them to celebrities and heroes who would join them for the hunt.

Celebrities included John Gillotte, the 2010 National Youth Crappiemasters Champion; Wayne Hubbard, creator and host of Urban American Outdoors TV show; and Guy Caster, former professional drag race car driver. The youth were also joined by four true heroes, soldiers who had been wounded in action, including Colonel Phil McCune and Colonel Tom Kurlick from the Fort Riley Warrior Transition Battalion, and Captain Aaron Isaacson and Second Lieutenant Chad Blow from the Kansas National Guard of Topeka.

Near-perfect morning weather greeted the hunters after breakfast. They were divided into three groups to hunt for the rest of the morning. Several non-hunting adults, parents, and family members went with each group to serve as mentors for the inexperienced hunters. The groups hunted in portions of Glen Elder State Park and the refuges of Glen Elder Wildlife Area.

“Generally, public hunting is not allowed in these parts of the Waconda Lake property except for special events such as this,” Lecuyer explained. “The young hunters were definitely up to our challenge, and the groups managed to bag 16 roosters in just three hours of hunting. Many of the young hunters harvested their first-ever pheasants, and nearly everyone had the opportunity to take a shot or two at the tough birds. A couple of the kids actually harvested multiple birds, and even Colonel Kurlick got his first pheasant.”

A hamburger, hot dog, and chili lunch was served at noon by volunteers from the Waconda Lake Association. The association also sponsored a prize contest for the youth with the longest tail feather from their bird. Devin Basnatt’s 22 1/2 inch tail feather won by more than 1 inch.

After lunch, a trap shoot was held near the Glen Elder Area Office. Three shooting stations were available for the participants to hone their shooting skills. A few of the young hunters and their mentors decided to continue hunting during the afternoon at other locations on the wildlife area.

The day’s events concluded in the evening with a barbeque brisket supper at Memorial Hall in Downs. After the meal, each young hunter received a prize package and heard a few words and got autographs from the celebrities. Attendees also listened to information about youth and mentor hunting opportunities, the importance of recruiting new hunters, and the work of conservation organizations.

This year’s youth participants were Bryce Nichols – Beloit; Rhiley Kaser – Osborne; Bryce Griffin, Andrea Howard, Noah Bradley, Matt Parks, and Cole Sauber – Salina; Cody Heiland – Topeka; Ryan and Megan Richards – Stillwell; Marcus Florence – Olathe; Derek McCarthy – Kansas City, Brandon Regester, Dylan Brittain, Nick Miller, and Jakhai Adams – Wichita; and Devin Basnatt and Sabian Dolvig – Rose Hill.

“We couldn’t have done this without donations from of a host of local businesses,” Lecuyer said. “And a special thanks goes out to all the volunteers and mentors who gave their time to the kids. Almost 50 adults gave up a substantial portion of their day or weekend to help these young hunters.”

KDWPT and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors believe that offering youth opportunities such as the Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt is vitally important to ensure both the development of future hunting generations and well-rounded young people. For information about future special hunts at Glen Elder, phone (785) 545-3345.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- A workgroup comprised of conservation groups and youth hunters presented recommendations for regulations for mentored youth hunting in Michigan to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at a recent meeting.

Earlier this year, Governor Rick Snyder signed two bills into law that eliminated the minimum hunting age in Michigan and directed the NRC to create a new program for mentored youth hunting for children under the age of 10.

Under the statute, the Department of Natural Resources will offer a Mentored Youth Hunting license starting on March 1, 2012. The $7.50 license will be a “package” license that includes small game, spring and fall turkey, two deer tags, a furbearer trapping permit and an all-species fishing license. An adult mentor must be at least 21 years old, have previous hunting experience and possess a valid Michigan hunting license. Another provision of the law allows 10 year-olds to hunt big game on private land with a firearm, which was implemented starting with the 2011 deer season.

The workgroup recommendations for the Mentored Youth Hunting program include:

• No limit on the number of youth a mentor can have with him or her in the field, leaving it at the discretion of the mentor.
• A limit of two hunting devices – bow, crossbow or firearm – per mentor.
• The youth in possession of a hunting device and engaged in the act of hunting must be within arm’s length of the mentor.
• The mentor shall ensure that the hunting device is sized appropriately to fit the physical abilities of the youth to ensure safe and responsible handling.
• The mentor will be held responsible for the youth’s actions.
• The issued deer tags under the Mentored Youth Hunting license can be used for either sex (antlered or antlerless), are not subject to antler point restriction regulations in certain parts of the state and can only be used on private land, consistent with current state law.
• A voluntary Mentor Guide program will be developed by the DNR to educate and inform mentors of their responsibilities.

The NRC has directed the DNR to come forward with a Wildlife Conservation Order to create the regulations for Mentored Youth Hunting at the Jan. 12 meeting in Lansing. The order would be eligible for an NRC vote at the Feb. 9 meeting in Dearborn. Public comment on the proposed regulations can be made at the January or February meeting. Written comments can be sent to the NRC’s executive assistant Deb Whipple at whippled1@michigan.gov or via US Mail to Natural Resources Commission, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909.

For more information on the NRC, including agendas and past meeting minutes, go to www.michigan.gov/nrc.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

FINDLAY, OH --(Ammoland.com)- A lottery card drawing will be held for youth muzzleloader deer hunts on January 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2012 in portions of the State Wildlife Refuge on the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Interested youth hunters, ages 17 and younger, may apply by mailing a 4 x 6 inch post card to the Wildlife District Two Office; 952 Lima Avenue; Findlay, OH 45840. Print the name, address, and phone number of the applicant on the card with the words “Pickerel Creek Youth Muzzleloader Deer Hunt” at the top.

Postcards must be postmarked by December 8, 2011. Eight permits will be issued per day. The drawing will be on the December 19 with permits will to be mailed out on the December 20 to successful applicants.

The Division of Wildlife conducts controlled hunts on professionally managed areas throughout the state for youth. These hunts provide a unique opportunity for young hunters to learn from their mentors.

If you would like more information about these hunts go to the Division of Wildlife’s webpage at wildohio.com and look for the controlled hunt tab.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Kentucky's Annual Grayson Lake WMA Youth Deer Hunt Successful Again

Kentucky Department Fish Wildlife

Anderson County, KY --(Ammoland.com)- Eighty-nine youth took 27 deer during the annual Grayson Lake WMA youth deer hunt over the Nov. 5-6 weekend. The hunt was open for either sex deer, but 20 of the deer taken were antlered bucks indicating the rut was well underway.

Large bucks were not in short supply either, as seven had eight or more points or antler spreads of 15” or larger. The largest buck taken was a nine-point with a 17.25” antler spread killed by Jordan Lawson of Corbin, Kentucky.

The great majority of youngsters participating saw deer while hunting and many fond memories were made. The hunt is open to youngsters under 16 who are accompanied by an adult.

Youths under 12 are not required to purchase a hunting license or deer permit and do not have to have passed a hunter safety course to be eligible for the hunt. The hunt is open sign-up with no qualifying youngster turned away. Ample acreage is available in the hunting area and all youngsters are invited to participate next year when it is once again expected to be held the first weekend in November.

Read More new like this in the Kentucky Department Fish Wildlife November 2011 Newsletter

Kentucky Department Fish Wildlife November 2011 Newsletter

The mission of the Kentucky Conservation Coalition is to organize outdoorsmen and women, conservation groups and their members so that their united voices can be heard on important issues impacting fish and wildlife management, wildlife-related recreation interests, and natural resource conservation in Kentucky. Our fishing, hunting, trapping, and natural resource conservation heritage is depending on it. We need to pass the things we hold dear to the next generation, and the time to act is now. To join the KCC and its many partners, including The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, please sign up for this FREE service by clicking here http://www.kycoalition.org.

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- Permits will be issued for two California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) special apprentice waterfowl hunts at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.

On Saturday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 28, spaced blinds on Pond 11 and the Crescent Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area will be available only for apprentice hunt participants. The area will be closed to the general public on those days.

An adult chaperone (18 years or older) must accompany and supervise each apprentice hunter.

The adult may hunt with the apprentice and must possess the required 2011-2012 California hunting license and state and federal waterfowl stamps and the free Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation.

Junior hunting license holders must have a federal waterfowl stamp and the free HIP validation to hunt waterfowl.

All available blinds can accommodate two persons: the apprentice hunter and the adult chaperone. Nontoxic ammunition approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required for waterfowl hunting. A minimum of one dozen duck decoys are required at all blind sites and chest waders are recommended.

Sunrise at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. DFG photo

To apply, please mail a standard-sized post card to Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun, CA 94585.

On the back of the card, please include the following information:

• Apprentice hunter’s name
• Junior hunting license number
• Mailing address and phone number
• Name of chaperone
• Hunt date desired

Each hunter may apply only once and for one date. Application cards must be received by close of business on Nov. 23. Apprentice hunt reservations will be filled by a random drawing conducted on Nov. 28. There will be 24 reservations issued for each date, and all successful applicants will be notified by mail.

The Grizzly Island Wildlife Area will also accept apprentice hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the hunt to use the free roam areas and to fill any no-shows from the reservations. As a reminder, all chaperones who wish to hunt must have either a Type A One Day, Two Day or Season Pass, which must be purchased prior to arriving at the check station. These can be obtained through either a License Agent or online at www.dfg.ca.gov (allow two weeks mailing time if ordering online).

DFG would also like to encourage use of the West Family Unit, which is available only to apprentice hunters. Hunt days are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the open season. Gates will be opened approximately two hours before shoot time. An adult chaperone is required and five double blinds, including one mobility-impaired blind and one three-person blind are available.

The unit is north of Benicia on Goodyear Road; from Highway 680 take the Marshview Road exit and turn right onto Goodyear Road from the off-ramp and the hunt area will be on the left.

Top Ten Tips for Introducing Kids to Waterfowl Hunting

Delta Waterfowl

WINNIPEG, Manitoba --(Ammoland.com)- Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson has a message for adults thinking about introducing kids to waterfowl hunting: Just do it.

“I really believe you can’t start’em too early,” said Olson, who hunted ducks and geese with his father well before he was old enough to pull the trigger.

“One important thing we’ve learned with our First Hunt program is that hunting participation soars in families where parents hunt. The more you can nurture the culture when they’re young, the more likely you’ll have a kid who hunts over their lifetime.”

Olson recently took his son Benjamin, 4, and nephews Petey, 8, and Joey, 6, to Delta Marsh in Manitoba to hunt ducks. “They had an absolute blast, and we didn’t even shoot at a single bird,” said Olson. “In many jurisdictions across North America, there are age restrictions on when kids can start hunting waterfowl. Restrictions or not, there is nothing stopping you from bringing the little ones along for a hunt. My advice is to just do it. You can’t imagine how rewarding the experience will be—for you and the kids.”

Here are ten tips Olson recommends considering when you bring youngsters into the field:

1. Keep it short. “It’s like training a young Lab—short is always best,” said Olson.
2. Pick the right day—this isn’t the time for a tough, cold day in the marsh.
3. Make it fun. “Keep the focus on the kids and make sure the experience is fun and upbeat,” said Olson. “Bring a football in case the birds don’t cooperate.”
4. Start teaching some basic skills, but concentrate on safety.
5. Bring lots of calls, and let the kids blow them as much as they want. The outing isn’t about bagging birds. “Bring some ear plugs too, because it’s probably going to get loud,” Olson said.
6. Bring lots of snacks. “Kids always want something to eat,” said Olson.
7. Bring a dip net. Yes, a dip net. “If the birds aren’t flying, switch it up to a frog or water bug hunt. It doesn’t matter to them.”
8. Take a lot of photos. They are certain to become family heirlooms.
9. Bring a change of clothes because your kids are likely to get wet.
10. Get your kids to help clean the birds, and eat them that same day. “If you do, they’ll get hooked on eating game,” said Olson.

Editor’s note: Click here for more information about Delta Waterfowl’s First Hunt Program

About:Delta Waterfowl provides knowledge, leaders and science-based solutions that efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future for waterfowl hunting. Visit: www.deltawaterfowl.org

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- This Saturday, Nov. 5, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced a statewide deer hunting day for youth hunters ages 10 to 15 and non-ambulatory disabled hunters on both public and private lands.

To promote youth hunting, the Division is waiving blind fees for youth using Division deer stands or blinds on youth hunting days.

Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed or exempt adult hunter age 21 or older, but the companion may not possess a firearm. Young hunters must be of sufficient physical size and strength to safely handle a firearm, and may also hunt on regular season days, accompanied by an adult. Youth hunters age 13 to 15 must have completed a hunter education course, possess a certification card and purchase a Delaware junior hunting license. Normal bag limits and regulations apply, and all deer taken must be registered.

On State Wildlife Areas that require a lottery drawing for available deer stands, the drawing will be held 1.5 hours before legal shooting time. Participating hunters should plan to arrive in time to sign up before the drawing. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge also will hold a lottery for any unfilled stands at the refuge and nearby Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. Hunters should plan to arrive two hours before legal shooting time to sign up for the lottery.

For more information, check the 2011-2012 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at hunting license dealers statewide or online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw.

Specialized blinds/stands and hunting locations as well as special hunting permits also are available for disabled hunters. For more information, call 302-739-9912.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife also would like to remind hunters headed out on Saturday to take their cameras, as the youth deer hunting day is a great opportunity for taking photos to be entered in the Delaware Hunting Photo Contest. Sponsored by the Division as part of the celebration of 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware, the contest is seeking photos of young Delaware hunters, with the winner to be published in next year’s Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Deadline for entries is Friday, Dec. 16. Information and entry forms are available on the Division’s website at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw , the Fish and Wildlife Facebook page (search Delaware Fish & Wildlife) or requested by calling Amanda Belford at 302-739-9911, or email amanda.belford@state.de.us.

Janine Kopera works on NWTF education box material with one of her students.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Third-grade teacher Janine Kopera was merely looking for some lesson ideas to tie in with Thanksgiving when she stumbled upon the NWTF’s web site.

Eight years later, the Melvindale, Mich., teacher is renowned for successfully teaching her suburban students about conservation through an educational unit she built around the NWTF’s Wild About Turkey Education Box.

In recognition of her efforts, the NWTF selected Kopera as the NWTF’s 2011 Educator of the Year. Kopera also won the NWTF’s Educator of the Year Award for Michigan. She is a former Wayne County Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“This whole unit has really opened the children’s eyes,” Kopera said. “They learn how people can have a positive effect on nature.”

Kopera will receive a $1,000 grant from the NWTF and will be honored at the NWTF’s annual convention in February in Nashville, Tenn. With the grant money she plans to spend to fund a conservation field trip and purchase conservation field investigation equipment to meet curriculum requirements.

“Receiving this great award is just icing on the cake,” said Kopera, who teaches at Allendale Elementary School in a school district just outside the city limits of Detroit. “I already had a reward by using the unit.”

Utilizing fun elements such as turkey feather bookmarks and rulers in the Wild About Turkey Education Box – a replica of an actual wild turkey transport box – Kopera has sparked enthusiasm and awareness among many children who had never been exposed to conservation and the outdoors. Most of the 32,000 NWTF education boxes distributed nationwide are donated by local NWTF chapters. Kopera’s box was donated by the Huron Valley Chapter, the NWTF’s first in Michigan.

Kopera also has coordinated visits by NWTF Huron Valley Chapter members, who dressed in turkey hunting clothes and gave the students the opportunity to use turkey calls and other gear.

After discovering the Wild About Turkey Education Box on the NWTF website, Kopera found another important resource in Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Superintendent of Schools Cora Kelly, an NWTF member.

“The kids really enjoy the education box, and they come home with great stories,” Kelly said. “Janine has been a fantastic teacher. She took the ball and ran with it.”

The Wild About Turkey Education Box, full of activities and educational tools correlated to national education standards for kindergarten through 12th grade, includes:

• colorful bulletin board display
• DVD of wild turkey history, communication and habitat videos
• wild turkey habitat and anatomy posters
• 30 pencils, rulers and turkey feather bookmarks for students
• multimedia CD-CD-Rom with turkey sounds and printable resources
• K-12 curriculum and activity guide
• Scaled-down trap and transfer box

More than 32,000 education boxes have been distributed nationwide, most donated by local NWTF chapters to schools, parks, visitor centers and museums as well as through educator training workshops.

Education boxes are available for $50 online, plus shipping. Refill kits cost $50, plus shipping. Boxes also can be purchased by calling (800) THE-NWTF or (803) 637-3106 and asking for the sales department.

About the NWTF:
The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- Have you taken a great photo of a young hunter in action?

If so, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife invites you to enter the Delaware Hunting Photo Contest being held as part of the Division’s celebration of 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware.

The winning photo will be featured on the cover or inside the 2012-2013 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.

“We are hoping photographers from all over the state will come out for this contest and share some of their best images with us,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis. “As we move into a new century of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware, we’d like to feature the faces of young hunters in our hunting guide – especially since young Delawareans will become leaders of the next generation of Delaware conservationists.”

The contest is open to Delaware residents of all ages, with a maximum of three entries per person. Entries will be accepted now through Friday, Dec. 16. To be eligible, photographs must depict youth participating in hunting activities and must have been taken in Delaware. A judging panel comprised of DNREC staff and professional photographers will be looking for photos that best portray “the promise of the future” as envisioned by the Division’s theme of “Celebrating 100 Years of Fish and Wildlife Conservation: Reflecting on the Past, Moving into the Future.” Judges also will be looking at technical criteria including resolution, clarity and composition.

Entries may be mailed to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, Attention: Amanda Belford, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. All entries must be postmarked or delivered by Friday, Dec. 16, and must include a completed and signed entry form and photo release form. Information and forms are available on the Division’s website at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/ , the Fish and Wildlife Facebook page (search Delaware Fish & Wildlife) or requested by calling Amanda Belford at 302-739-9911, or email amanda.belford@state.de.us.

Photos must be 8 x 10 paper prints, with no frames or mats and no markings or signatures on the front or back. Normal processing of RAW image files, minimal cropping and minor adjustments to color and contrast are acceptable. HDR and focus stacking are permitted as long as manipulation is disclosed upon entry. Nothing should be added to the image or, aside from dust spots, taken away. The entrant must hold all rights to the photograph and must not infringe on the rights of any other person. Images that involve unlawful harm to wildlife or damage to the environment should not be submitted and will not be accepted. Entries will not be returned.

The Division’s Fishing Photo Contest is also still accepting entries through Nov. 16.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Dedicated to conserving a diverse natural bounty, preserving our rich hunting heritage and sharing these wonderful traditions with others, the NWTF leads the way in providing outdoor opportunities for children and teens throughout North America.

Building upon an already solid foundation in outdoor education, the NWTF is launching a new magazine, JAKES Country, to better serve its youth members.

“JAKES Magazine carried the NWTF’s conservation and hunting message to hundreds of thousands of youth members for more than 13 very successful years,” said editor Matt Lindler.

“But recognizing that many members come from families who have a hunting tradition, the original magazine wasn’t filling their appetites for hunting stories and tips.”

Jakes Magazin for Youth Hunters Launched by National Wild Turkey Federation

Filling that void, JAKES Country, which will be mailed quarterly to all JAKES and Xtreme JAKES members, will focus more on hunting and shooting sports and deliver a magazine that the members will be proud to read and share.

“If they’ve never hunted, this magazine will help them get started,” Lindler said. “If they’ve hunted all of their lives, this magazine will help them become better hunters. If they’re interested in shooting sports, we’ve got that covered, too.”

In addition to providing first-rate features and information from experts around the world, JAKES Country and the NWTF have created the JAKES Pro Staff for youth members who apply and pass the competitive vetting process.

“Pro Staff members will play a vital role in the production of the magazine,” Lindler explained.

“They’ll be asked to submit commentary on various stories. They will share their hunting and outdoor adventures with the other members and even get to review the newest outdoor gear for the ‘Gear Geeks’ column.”

All youth members will be able to upload photos, stories and videos to the JAKES Facebook page and can even win prizes. If they’re too young for Facebook, they can email their photos and stories. “Members can text their trophy photos directly to us right from hunting camp,” Lindler said.

The first issue of JAKES Country will hit mailboxes starting in mid-October.

JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship. Membership in the program is available to youth up to age 12, and Xtreme JAKES is for teens up to 17. Both are $10 annually. Members receive four issues of JAKES Country magazine, an official membership card and decal, and are entered into a drawing for the JAKES Hunt of a Lifetime.
For more information on the JAKES and Xtreme JAKES program or about signing up a child as a member, please visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/TheNWTF.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- With small game seasons underway and big game seasons just around the corner, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said the agency is scheduling more basic Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) courses for October and November so all new hunters can complete this mandatory course to be eligible to participate in the upcoming fall hunting seasons.

“Time is running out for those who have not yet passed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course,” Roe said.

“Procrastination sometimes gets the better of us, but becoming certified through a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course is mandatory for all first-time license buyers, regardless of age.

“While we have been holding courses all summer, we have found that some people wait until autumn is officially here to begin making plans for the hunting seasons. To meet this need, we scheduled additional courses throughout the state, and they have been filling up fast. So now is the time to register for a course if you want to be eligible to hunt for the first time this season.”

Roe noted that after the courses are completed in November, the agency won’t begin a new slate of Hunter-Trapper Education classes until early in 2012.

To register for a course in your area, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), clicking on the “Hunter Education Classes” icon in the center of the homepage and then clicking on either “Hunter-Trapper Education” or “Hunter-Trapper Education Independent Study.”

With the support of thousands of volunteer instructors and organizations that host classes, HTE courses are being held throughout the state. There is no fee for the basic HTE course. Pre-registration is required and online registration is available for all courses offered by the agency.

Taught by dedicated teams of trained volunteers, most HTE classes last at least 10 hours over two or more days, and participants must attend all instruction before taking the test at the end of the course. Youngsters must be at least 11 years old to receive HTE certification.

Successful completion of a basic Pennsylvania HTE class, or another state’s equivalent course, is required by state law to obtain a first-time hunting or furtaker license, regardless of age.

Registrations also are being accepted for the independent-study version of the basic HTE program, which is available for those 11 years of age or older. The independent study course requires students to attend a two- to three-hour class to be tested and certified. Prior to this classroom test, however, students must study the entire course content on their own, which takes about eight to 10 hours to complete. Study guides are available online from the registration page or, to request a print version of “Today’s Hunter & Trapper in Pennsylvania,” call the Hunter-Trapper Education Division (717-787-7015) to request a study guide be mailed to you. There is a $1.59 postage fee for mailed study guides.

In 1959, the Game Commission began offering a voluntary hunter safety program, and about 25,000 students participated in that program annually. Beginning in 1969, the General Assembly required all first-time hunting license buyers under the age of 16 to successfully complete a four-hour hunter education course. The course requirement was expanded to six hours in 1977. The program became mandatory for all first-time hunting license buyers regardless of age in 1982.

Finally, in 1986, the safety program was increased to 10 hours of class time and trapper training was included. The name of the program also was changed to Hunter-Trapper Education, and was required for all first-time furtaker license buyers, too.

Since 1959, more than 1.8 million students have been certified through this course.

Take your children hunting; and you won’t have to go hunting for your children.”

FHFH.org

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- A while back my wife, Ann, and I were pulling onto the lot of one of our favorite fast “health food” restaurants and saw a gentleman bobbing his silver-templed head up and down behind the bed of his pick-up.

With a puzzled look we stopped and continued watching. It soon became apparent that he was playing that centuries-old game of Peek a Boo with a little guy in his stroller.

That Pap and his grandson were obviously very close. So you’re asking, “How do I become and stay close with my child?”

Try to be best friends? NO. Buy them lots of stuff? NO. Act like a kid? NO. Be the father or mother your child needs? YES.

Sit down with your spouse and talk about the kind of family you desire; then pray to God that He will give you the desires of your heart. If your desire is to love your children for the rest of your days with the same excitement you did at their birth, then resolve together to spend more time with one another than with anyone else.

We can “occasionally” become selfish with our time. Spending “quality time” with someone we love is one of this generation’s biggest excuses for not spending “quantities of time” with our loved ones. A Saturday af-ternoon at the movies cannot replace daily or near daily time playing and working with our children – and spouses. Some believe the other lie that their careers must come before their families – after all (the excuse goes) we are the providers.

I’ve learned that some men have actually found they receive nearly unlimited kitchen passes as long as their kids accompany them?

At a church council meeting our Pastor’s wife made a very simple, BUT POWERFUL, statement. She said, “One of Satan’s most effective tools is keeping us busy.” She said B U S Y N E S S can keep us from the most important activity in our life – spending time with God!

One council member asked, “How can being busy in ministry several evenings a week keep us from spending time with our families and God?” Early in my life my mother was busy at the church several evenings every week with choir practice, class meetings, and helping her friend from the choir take care of others; then one day my dad said we needed her! From that day on she spent more time with us and with God whom she loved.

My wife made a rule shortly after we married. We were each allowed one regular evening per week apart from our family – JUST ONE! I’ve spent hours talking with Wil Graham about ballistics, archery and what it takes to create a Godly family.

His dad Franklin even wrote a book about his experiences growing up the son of the most famous evangelist of modern times. You’ve probably noticed that some of the difficult and unhappy individuals you know are the children of pastors. If you doubt that our time is what our children desire most, then ask them while still under the age of 10 what they would most like to do with you.

Their answer will be PLAY. Once we’ve established that early relationship, we must develop it daily. If we don’t – WE’VE LOST THEM!

I’m convinced that relationship can extend through the difficult teen years and into adult-hood. Early in the spring before my dad went to live for eternity with Howard Hill, Fred Bear and the other great hunters who loved the Lord he said, “What do you want to do today?” I answered, “Let’s go down to our hunting spot in Virginia and check out the deer.”

My dad, my brother, and I played together all of our lives; and our two sons and I began to play together when I handed them their first rubber suction cup bow and arrow on the day they were born! You can see the photos of the mighty archers. God has blessed hunters and fisher-men with a special bond from the beginning. I was once hammered by a bumper sticker that read, “Take your children hunting; and you won’t have to go hunting for your children.”

I know from conversations with many of you that you also have that special bond with your kids. One father told me that his high school senior chose to go to the World Archery Championships with him instead of his big high school dance. Of course, we knew that was just poor scheduling on the part of his school.

Recently two of our FHFH Coordi-nators, Allen Dunlap of Ohio and Jason Boyd of Indiana represented FHFH at the 2011 QDMA National Convention held in Nashville. Allen and his 12 year-old son, Luke, and Jason and his 12 year-old son, Noah, and the rest of their gang spent a bit of time talking with Jeff Foxworthy, a familiar face in both the world of hunting and the world of 5th graders. These families hunt, travel, and play together.

AND MY GUESS IS THAT THEY WILL REMAIN CLOSE FOR LIFE!

Many of our Coordinators are training the next generation of FHFH leaders in their communities. I know this to be a fact because as I talk with them throughout the year it’s difficult for them to tell me about their latest adventures in hunting and feeding the hungry without bragging about these growing leaders – their kids!
So from whom did we as parents and grandparents receive this desire to be a close family? For many it’s written on our hearts.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 The answer can be found in Mark 9:33.

About:
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry of the people of God called upon to feed venison to the hungry among us nationwide. Visit FHFH.org

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- A great many people in the outdoor industry are trying to get kids into hunting.

National organizations with distinguished boards are holding summits, creating websites, raising funds, forming task forces, studying demographic surveys and writing mission statements.

Then there are guys like Bill Crutchfield, a fireman from Charles County, Maryland. He wants to do the same thing all those groups want, but he does it a different way.

He finds kids and takes them hunting. He doesn’t have a budget. Or a staff. Or a website.

What he has is fervor to make sure kids get a chance to hunt.

Crutchfield is well known for taking the biggest nontypical whitetail ever killed on the East Coast – a Boone and Crockett-certified, 268-1/8-inch behemoth he shot in 2006.

“Shooting a buck like that changes your life, makes you want to give something back to the outdoors,” Crutchfield said.

To give something back, he came up with the idea of the Young Guns Hunt Club—an all-volunteer nucleus of friends, family and local landowners working together to create opportunities for local kids to hunt. He pulled this team together in September 2010, and they all started to secure land access, screen guides and plan logistics.

Finding the kids was pretty easy. Crutchfield and friends went to local hunter education classes and asked if anybody needed a place to hunt. They found 25 kids very quickly.

Maryland has a youth deer hunting day—November 12 in 2010, so Crutchfield scheduled the hunt for that date. With a guide lined up for each youngster, and hunting permission granted on local lands, he got the nearby Izaak Walton League club to host a “Meet and Greet” a week before the hunt, so the kids could get to know the guides, practice on the range and do a little pre-hunt scouting. He got NRA to contribute gift bags full of NRA fraternal items, safety literature and a bow to raffle off.

Crutchfield is well known for taking the biggest nontypical whitetail ever killed on the East Coast – a Boone and Crockett-certified, 268-1/8-inch behemoth he shot in 2006

A week later, he and his wife hosted a 5:00 a.m. breakfast for everyone concerned and sent the hunters out to their stands. At mid-morning, everyone returned to the farm that served as “hunting camp.” Hananah O’Neil, a high school sophomore, brought in an eight- point buck, her first deer ever. The midday break kept the kids busy with a barbecue served up by the local 4-H, a fox trapping demonstration, an archery and BB gun range, and a retriever demonstration.

By the end of the afternoon hunt, several other kids brought in deer and everyone, successful or not, was telling stories, laughing, hugging and high-fiving each other.

Before everyone broke up, all the kids were given gift bags and a shed antler with “Young Guns 2010” engraved on the main beam. Crutchfield was then surprised when he and his wife, Terri were presented with a plaque bearing a photo signed by all the kids.

“The crowed cheered and everyone thanked us for putting on the event,” Crutchfield said. “It was hard to keep my emotions under control, and I almost completely lost it. The event was successful, not because of me and Terri, but because so many great people volunteered for a common cause and to make a difference, one shot at a time, for hunting and for these kids.”

It’s important to note that a lot of those national groups are making great headway in getting kids outdoors and into deer stands. NRA is proud to be one of them, especially with well-established programs like the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC).

And substantial progress is being made in knocking down barriers to youth hunting, through youth mentored hunting laws that NRA and other groups are fighting for.

NRA is helping out with the 2011 Young Guns hunt by donating merchandise for door prizes and raffles, plus NRA Board member Dave Butz will be on hand to talk with the kids. Give a nod, too, to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, which is providing insurance for the event.

But it’s particularly important to highlight individuals like Bill Crutchfield—not only for his tireless personal efforts, but because there are other people like him who would do something similar, with a little guidance. Bill’s dream is to get a “Young Guns” effort launched on a major scale, and he has established a “model” that could be followed almost anywhere. Yes, it is time-consuming and requires commitment.

If you want to help Crutchfield reach even more kids this coming season—he’s trying for 50–there are plenty of ways that you could contribute.

If you are interested in getting his advice to start something similar in your state, he’d be glad to talk to you. Either way, contact him at: bcrutchjr@aol.com.

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

Kids Gone Hunting Foundation

Hunter Safety Systems

DANVILLE, Ala. --(Ammoland.com)- Hunter Safety System, the industry leader in safety vests, harnesses and related products, is pleased to be a supporter of the Kids Gone Hunting Foundation, Inc.

This non-profit organization creates DVDs of kids-only hunting, hosted by kids and distributed free to kids. The first two that were launched featured several hunts by kids and was hosted by a team of youngsters who will be returning to host the new Friends Edition that Hunter Safety System will help to sponsor.

Young hunters from across the country have the opportunity to have their own video-recorded hunt chosen to be a part of this new DVD. Twenty hunts will be selected from video submissions submitted by the public. Entries may include big and small game legally harvested with guns, bows or crossbows in North America or abroad.

A variety of prize packages will be awarded. The Grand Prize for Favorite Hunt is sponsored by Mack’s Prairie Wings (America’s premier waterfowl outfitter) and the winner will receive a $500 Gift Card for merchandise at Mack’s. The award for Best Treestand Hunt using a Hunter Safety System product is sponsored by HSS. The winner and each member of his/her immediate family (mother, father and siblings) will receive a Hunter Safety System vest and Life Line.

“Practicing treestand safety is always important, but impressing upon young hunters the proper use and absolute importance of always using TMA-approved safety equipment instills good habits that will last a long lifetime of safe hunts,” said David Langston, director of sales & marketing at Hunter Safety System. “Working with organizations like Kids Gone Hunting Foundation is so important to the survival of our sport. At HSS, we are truly honored to be able to work with them and with the kids who participate.”

Entries must be received by 12 p.m. EST, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. For more information on the prizes and how to submit a video hunt for consideration in the Kids Gone Hunting DVD—Friends Edition, visit www.kidsgonehunting.com.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Danville, Alabama, Hunter Safety System is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative deer hunting gear and hunting equipment for the serious hunter. For additional information, write to: The Hunter Safety System, 8237 Danville Road, Danville, AL 35619; call toll-free 877-296-3528; or visit www.huntersafetysystem.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio’s youth hunters will have several opportunities to learn and sharpen their hunting skills this fall.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife offers many ways for families to hunt together and create lasting traditions in the state’s outdoors.

WATERFOWL: Youngsters age 15 and under wanting to pursue waterfowl may do so, statewide, on Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2.

SMALL GAME: Hunters age 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 22-23 and October 29-30. Quail also may be taken in 16 designated open counties.

Pheasant releases for young hunters will occur prior to these dates on the following state wildlife areas: Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdeer Plains, Camp Belden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Delaware, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville, Tiffin River, and Darke, as well as Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County and Ring Neck Ridge in Sandusky County. A permit is required to hunt the Ring Neck Ridge area. The free permit can be obtained from the Sandusky County Park Office by calling 419.334.4495 or the Sandusky County Park District Office at 419.637.2900

WHITE-TAILED DEER: A youth deer-gun season will be open statewide, November 19-20. Hunters age 17 and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult may take one deer of either sex during this season in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits.

WILD TURKEY: It is not too early to begin planning for the spring youth wild turkey hunting season for 2012. A statewide spring youth wild turkey season will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22. This hunt is open to youths age 17 and younger.

CONTROLLED HUNTS: The Division of Wildlife also offers several controlled hunts for young hunters throughout the season. Applications to participate in these hunts are accepted June 1 through July 31. Applications are available at the division’s five district offices and on the division’s web site, and may be completed by mail or online. There are controlled youth hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl.

To participate in the upcoming youth hunts, all young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and must abide by all regular hunting hours and bag limits. A valid 2011-12 youth hunting license, along with the appropriate permits, are required. For complete details on all of Ohio’s youth hunting seasons, refer to 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or go online to wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo – a group of M.U.L.E.Y. program participants.

Mule Deer Foundation

CASPER, Wyo. --(Ammoland.com)- Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) staff and volunteers assisted at the recent Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo (Expo) in Casper, Wyo.

Final numbers are not in yet, but an estimated 14,000 people attended, with about 8,000 being school-aged children.

MDF’s Youth Programs Coordinator Jon Zinnel said, “The MDF-sponsored rifle and shotgun ranges at the Expo gave young people the opportunity to learn how to handle a firearm. All of the instructors made sure the kids fully understood the aspects of firearms and range safety before participating. Students were taught the proper and safe way to handle, aim and fire the guns. This program was consistent with MDF’s M.U.L.E.Y. mission, which is to safely introduce youth to shooting sports, ensuring the sport’s continued growth.”

MDF Corporate Partners also helped. ATK Federal Ammunition provided shotshells and rimfire ammunition for the MDF shooting ranges, and Crosman Corporation donated 10,000 pellets for the indoor air rifle range. Together, MDF and its partners helped introduce students to the outdoors and let them know where to get involved with other on-going shooting, hunting and conservation programs.

The Expo, hosted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., is a statewide annual event open to the public. It provides learning and participation opportunities that emphasize the relevance of wildlife and habitat management, as well as ethical behavior and stewardship of the outdoors.

Zinnel concluded, “The Expo was just a great event. We not only influenced thousands of youth with shooting sports, but we also gained exposure and a foothold in the state of Wyoming with our M.U.L.E.Y. youth program. The Expo was very well put together, and we look forward to participating again next year.”

About MDF and the M.U.L.E.Y. Program
The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless man-hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

The mission of MDF’s M.U.L.E.Y. (Mindful, Understanding, Legal and Ethical Youth) program is to safely introduce youth to shooting sports, ensuring the sport’s continued growth. The M.U.L.E.Y. program is funded by Larry and Brenda Potterfield and the MidwayUSA Foundation. Visit the M.U.L.E.Y. Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mdfyouth.

About Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo
Wyoming’s wildlife-related recreational opportunities are so valuable and important that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department initiated the Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo in 1998, and it has become an annual event. The Expo is just one way the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is helping to insure the future of Wyoming’s hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing heritage for generations to come. For more information visit http://gf.state.wy.us/services/education/expo/index.asp.

Youth Hunting Success

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan -(Ammoland.com)- A workgroup assembled by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to develop recommendations for the state’s new Mentored Youth Hunting Program is seeking public input on some of the issues under consideration.

An online survey has been posted to allow the public to answer some questions and provide feedback on the issues presented. The survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VMY6KGT and will be available through Sept. 15.

“I strongly encourage sportsmen and women, parents and other interested members of the public to fill out the survey, which only takes about 10 minutes,” said NRC Commissioner John Matonich of Davison, who chairs the workgroup. “The workgroup is on a tight timeframe to make recommendations to the NRC so we can be ready to roll out this program for the 2012 hunting season. Public input is invaluable to our recommendation process.”

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program opens opportunities for hunters under the age of 10 to participate in Michigan’s hunting seasons in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program under development by the NRC. The new law also created the Mentored Youth Hunting license, which will allow mentored youths to participate in a wide variety of hunting opportunities on a single license starting in 2012. Mentored youth hunting license holders will be able to hunt deer, turkey, small game, trap fur-bearers and fish for all species on this license.

More information about the Mentored Youth Hunting Program and a direct link to the survey can be found at www.michigan.gov/mentoredhunting.

Currently the workgroup has established a goal of reporting its recommendations to the NRC at its November meeting in Lansing.

About:
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today offered his praise to the 19 sportsmen’s clubs throughout Pennsylvania who signed up to host junior pheasant hunts.

The clubs will share about 1,800 pheasants the agency is providing for junior pheasant hunts, which all will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Last year, 24 clubs signed up to host junior pheasant hunts.

“While the agency’s financial situation remains a concern, providing pheasants to clubs sponsoring junior pheasant hunts is a wise investment,” Roe said. “The only two stipulations for clubs to be eligible to receive Game Commission birds are that these hunts must have registration open to the public and must be held on public lands or private lands enrolled in one of the Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program.

“The state’s long-standing two-pheasant daily bag limit will apply to junior hunters participating in the season. In addition, depending on the area in which they are hunting, juniors will be required to comply with restrictions on hunting male or female pheasants.”

Eligible juniors must be between 12 and 16 years of age, and have successfully completed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. There is no requirement that participating juniors purchase a license, but they must wear the necessary orange and be accompanied as required by law.

Roe noted the junior pheasant hunt is not part of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program for those hunters under the age of 12, which allows mentored youth to hunt for groundhog, squirrel, coyotes, spring gobbler and antlered and antlerless deer. (For more information on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, please see page 15 of the 2011-12 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.)

The junior pheasant season runs from Saturday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 14. The season also takes advantage of many schools having off for the Columbus Day holiday. In addition to the pheasants being provided to clubs hosting a junior pheasant hunt, the Game Commission will stock 15,000 pheasants for the junior pheasant season on various sites throughout Pennsylvania on Friday, Oct. 7.

For more information, including a listing of general stocking locations for the junior pheasant season, see pages 25-27 of the Digest, or go to the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting,” click on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing and then look under the “Junior Youth Pheasant Hunt” category.

Following is a county-by-county listing of the clubs hosting junior pheasant hunts, as well as contact information to enroll junior hunters:

Allegheny:
Bullcreek Rod and Gun Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at the club near Tarentum for 30 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Donald Lang at 724-889-6948 or email donaldlang0605@yahoo.com.

Armstrong:
Pine Creek Sportsmen’s Club will host its junior pheasant hunt on Bassinger Farm near Templeton for 20 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 10. Contact William Bassinger, Jr at 724-548-7746.

Apollo Spring Church Sportsmen’s Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at the club for 30 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Rocco Ali at 724-478-4303 or Dan Shaffer at 724-681-2834.

Beaver:
Beaver County Sportsmen’s Conservation League will host its junior pheasant hunt for 50 juniors at Midland Sportsmen’s Club. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Rich Kerlin at 724-378-8345 or email kerlinkanine@aol.com.

Bedford:
Bedford County Sportsman’s Club will host its junior pheasant hunt in Centerville for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 13. Contact Chad Kendall at 814-847-2558 or email ckkendall@embarqmail.com

Bedford-Fulton Pheasants Forever will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 97 for 40 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Jeff Green at 814-977-5458 or email jeff@green-ranch.com.

Centre:
Three Point Sportsmen Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at DCNR Ground in Kato for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Steven Demyan at 814-387-6779 or email smdguidr@yahoo.com or Richard Biggans at 814-387-4248.

Clearfield:
Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited will host its junior pheasant hunt at the “Big A” hunting lodge near Luthersburg for 30 juniors. The deadline for registration is Sept. 15. Contact Laura Johnson at 814-371-4856 or email lauraj@zitomedia.net.

Columbia:
Central Susquehanna Pheasants Forever will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 226 for 50 juniors. Deadline for registration is Sept. 15. Contact Jack Kile at 570-443-7618 or email jgkile@pa.metrocast.net.

Erie:
Pheasants Forever NWPA Chapter 728 will be hosting is junior pheasant hunt on Millers Farm, Riley Siding Road near New Union City for 60 juniors. Deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Contact Heath Moss at 814-566-1774 or email heath@nwpapf.org.

Elk:
Pheasants Forever Chapter 630 will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 44, Sawmut Tract, Brockport for 45-50 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Tim Rowan at 814-849-8065 or 814-715-2754.

Greene:
Tri-County Quality Deer Management Assn will host its junior hunt at the Association for 35 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Contact Kathy Davis at 724-263-9719 or Dennis McCann at 724-998-2809 or email kdavis4537@aol.com.

Lancaster:
Lititz Sportsmen’s Association will host its junior pheasant hunt at Speedwell Forge Lake near Lititz for 24-28 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Phil McCloud at 717-626-5884.

Luzerne:
Northeast PA Chapter of Pheasants Forever will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 119 near Bear Creek for 45 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 9. Contact Corey Wiesel at 570-282-6346 email corey21@email.com.

Pike:
Promised Land Sportsman’s Association will host its junior pheasant hunt at the association on Route 390 for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 1. Contact Craig Fischer at 570-236-9756 or cfisch20@gmail.com.

Schuylkill:
Gordon Game & Fish Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at “The Barn” two miles east of Gordon for 25 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact John Towey at 570-205-2682 or email nucleartechjpt@yahoo.com.

Warren:
Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club will hold its junior pheasant hunt at the Hibner property near Sugar Grove for 20 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Michael Fadale at 814-723-4461 or email aggie@westpa.net.

Washington:
McDonald Sportsmen will host its junior pheasant hunt in McDonald for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact Bernie Dhans at 724-288-5092.

Westmoreland:
NWTF Local Chapter 1 will host its junior pheasant hunt at Bush Creek Road, Mt. Pleasant for 25 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Contact Deborah Overly at 724-691-4756.

Laurel Highlands Chapter of Pheasants Forever and Kingston Veterans & Sportsmen Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at the Kingston Veterans & Sportsmen Club in Latrobe for 50 juniors. Deadline to register is Sept. 13. Contact Kevin Adams at 724-423-8445 or email adamsk@wpa.net.

Law Enforcement Officers of Westmoreland County will host its junior pheasant hunt at Mammoth Park, near Norvelt for 50 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 10. Contact Jerry Trainer at 724-837-3927 or email jjtrainer@outdrs.net.

Little Sewickley Sportsman Club will host its junior pheasant hunt at “The Old Hunt Farm” in Lycipus for 50 juniors. Registration deadline is Sept. 11. Contact Jay Bossart at 724-423-6714.

York:
Starview Sportsmen’s Association will host its junior pheasant hunt on SGL 243, Franklintown for 12 juniors. The deadline to register is Sept. 4. Contact Michael Heindel at 717-266-0783.

JUNIOR HUNTING SEASONS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
In addition to the upcoming junior pheasant season, which will be held Oct. 8-15, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has established other special seasons for those 12 to 16 years of age, who can hunt either with or without a junior hunting license.

Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director, noted that the newest junior season added to the agency’s line up is the junior rabbit season, which will run concurrently with the junior pheasant season, from Oct. 8-15.

“As pheasants and rabbits inhabit similar habitat and can both be pursued using bird or rabbit hunting dogs, running these two seasons together broadens the opportunity and excitement for younger hunters,” Roe said. “Experienced hunters with dogs are encouraged to pass along our state’s hunting heritage by serving as mentors for junior hunters. In fact, the Game Commission has published a new planning guide to assist individual hunters or conservation organizations that host guided hunts for eligible junior hunters.”

To view a copy of the new manual, go to the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Education” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, select “Special Hunts” in the “Special Events and Programs,” and then choose “Youth/Junior Hunt Planning Guide” in the “Special Hunt Guides.”

Other junior-only seasons in which participating junior-aged hunters are not required to first obtain a license are for squirrel (Oct. 8-14) and waterfowl (Sept. 17 and 24). While they are not required to purchase a license, participating youth must first pass a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course.

Junior-only seasons in which participating youth must pass a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course and obtain the required licenses are: antlerless deer (Oct. 20-22) and spring gobbler day (April 21).

Roe also noted junior license holders’ antler restrictions require that a legal buck must have one antler of more than three inches in length or one antler with at least two points.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has named a six-member ad hoc committee to bring back recommendations to the NRC later this year for specific rules for the new Mentored Youth Hunt program.

The program was established under a law signed by Governor Rick Snyder earlier this year.

The six members serving on the committee are:

• - Tyler Goode of St. Clair Shores, a youth representing Pheasants Forever
• - Jonathon Kneiper of Chesaning, a youth representing the National Wild Turkey Federation
• - Emily Caretti of Warren, a youth representing the Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers
• - Vic Ouellette of Gaylord, representing hunter education instructors
• - Peter Wyckoff of Ann Arbor, representing Ducks Unlimited
• - Liz Roxberry of Lansing Representing the Michigan United Conservation Clubs

NRC Commissioner John Matonich of Davison will chair the committee.

The committee is charged with recommending specific rules that may be necessary to participate in mentored youth hunting, developing program evaluation and evaluating the effectiveness of current youth hunting opportunities.

The committee also will develop an informal survey designed to collect public input on its charges and other topics related to youth hunting.

“We wanted to include youth representation on this committee because this entire program is geared toward getting more Michigan youth involved in hunting and fishing,” said NRC Chair Tim Nichols.

“Their input, experiences and perspectives will be invaluable to this process, and we will be looking to include youth involvement in other natural resources management issues in the future.”

The Hunter Heritage legislation opens opportunities for hunters under the age of 10 to participate in Michigan’s hunting seasons in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program under development by the NRC. The legislation also created the Mentored Youth Hunting license.

“This program addresses one of my four priorities as DNR director – to stabilize and reverse the decline in participation in outdoor recreation in Michigan,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

“Along with the NRC, I look forward to the work of this committee, especially the perspective of the youth.”

The Youth Mentored Hunt program will be ready for the 2012 hunting seasons, with the licenses available for purchase by March 1, 2012, the start of the new license year.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information about the department, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

• Ben Broussard – 2010 Male Youth Hunter of the Year
• Megan Boles – Female Youth Hunter of the Year

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will recognize the two 2010 Youth Hunters of the Year at the 2011 LOWA Conference Awards Banquet in Houma on Aug. 6.

Thirteen-year-old Megan Boles of Provencal was selected as the 2010 Female Youth Hunter of the Year and 12-year-old Ben Broussard of Sulphur was selected as the 2010 Male Youth Hunter of the Year.

Both young hunters submitted a story about their 2010-11 hunting season experience along with photographs of the hunt. LOWA and LDWF then selected the winners.

The Youth Hunter of the Year Program is part of the Louisiana Youth Hunter Registry Program that was initiated several years ago by both LOWA and LDWF to recognize the state’s youth hunters and encourage them to keep the hunting tradition alive in Louisiana. In addition to being recognized as the Youth Hunters of the Year, Megan and Ben received gift certificates from Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge. The other participants in the program received certificates recognizing their hunting achievements during the 2010 season and one individual will be selected by random drawing to receive a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters.

Megan is the daughter of Charles and Kelly Boles and has grown up hunting with her dad. While she had hunted deer prior to the 2010 deer season, she had never bagged one with a muzzleloader. During the 2010 primitive firearm season, she harvested her first buck with a muzzleloader rifle on an afternoon hunt with her dad. Megan wrote that her dad has taught her all the safety tips and rules for hunting with a gun and even though she normally hunts with her .243 she was very comfortable with a “smoke pole” in her hands.

She made a great 80-yard shoulder shot on a nice 8-pointer. Megan is also a successful turkey hunter and enjoys hunting with her dad, an accomplished turkey hunter. Megan said her dad “puts the turkeys to sleep on the roost and wakes them up in the mornings.” Megan loves to hunt with both mom and dad and has enough hunting savvy to hunt alone.

The Louisiana Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is one of the sponsors of the Youth Hunters Program and Luke Lewis, regional biologist with the NWTF said, “The Louisiana Chapter is glad to support LOWA and LDWF with the Youth Hunter of the Year Program. Megan comes from a family that lives the outdoor lifestyle, with a mother and father who have dedicated their careers to conservation with the US Forest Service on the Kisatchie Ranger District.

Both of them have been a big part of providing Megan with an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. On behalf of our 6,400 members of the LA Chapter, and our state board of directors, we congratulate Megan and know she will develop into a young conservationist with the appreciation of being a good steward of the land and its resources.”

Ben Broussard is the son of Jeanne and James Ed Broussard and made his first duck hunt with his dad during the 2010 Thanksgiving holidays. In his story, Ben also wrote about his dad and how safety conscious he was during the hunt. Bently, their black lab, shared the blind with the two hunters and did the work of retrieving the ducks. Ben killed a green wing teal with his first shot and later bagged a widgeon drake as it hovered over the spinning decoy. It was a great day for young Ben, his dad and Bently; the hunters brought home nine ducks, but more importantly, as Ben wrote, memories of a day he will never forget.

This is the first time that a duck hunter has been selected as the Youth Hunter of the Year and Ben has broken new ground for the program and hopefully will promote participation by other youth waterfowl hunters.

The Baton Rouge Chapter of Delta Waterfowl has been a sponsor of the program since day one. Jonathan Walker, chapter president, congratulated Ben on his achievement saying, “Ben represents the future of this sport in our great state of Louisiana.” He added, “Delta Waterfowl’s mission has always been to secure the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting and the BR Chapter is proud to have a part in this important program and supporting the next generation of hunters.”

LOWA and LDWF jointly recognize the important sponsorship support for the program provided by: The Bayou State Bowhunters Association, the South LA Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association, Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Andrew Harrison with Harrison Law, LLC.

“Programs such as this could not be possible without the support of these organizations and individuals,” said Kenny Ribbeck, chief of the LDWF’s Wildlife Division. “Attracting youth to the sport of hunting has taken greater emphasis in our agency over the past decade as hunter numbers declined. Along with the Youth Hunter Registry Program, LDWF is currently launching a new program, the Louisiana Hunting Heritage Program, aimed at introducing the sport of hunting to any age individual through mentors. We will continue to provide these programs to insure that the rich hunting heritage in Louisiana continues.”

For more information about the Youth Registry and Hunter of the Year Programs, visit the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.state.la.us/hunting/youth-hunter-registry-programor contact Scott Durham at 225-765-2351 or sdurham@wlf.la.govor David Moreland at 225-978-6552 or heflinroots@hotmail.com.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) held their inaugural Summer Camp from July 18-22 at the Waddill Outdoor Education Center in Baton Rouge for children 12 to 16 years old.

The camp was completely free of charge and participants were able to receive their official LDWF boater and hunter education certifications.

The camp was split up between class room work and outdoor activities that consisted of fishing and canoeing in the ponds at the Waddill Outdoor Education Center, skeet shooting, air rifles, archery and casting practice.

“The camp was a great success and well received by the kids and their parents. The department will definitely sponsor more camps for next summer since we had such a great demand and response for this first one,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham.

“Since most classes for boating and hunting education are done in one day, this camp allowed for a lot of extra time during the week for the kids to get hands on experience and guidance on a number of outdoor activities.”

The camp was open to the first 20 children that registered who did not already have a boater or hunter education certificate. The following kids completed all five days of the camp and received their boating and hunting education certifications:

Tyler Irvin, 12, of Gonzales; Jordan London, 12, of Baton Rouge; Taiylar DeMoss, 12, of Baton Rouge; Devon Regira, 12, of Geismar; Darren Ficklin, 12 of Geismar; Colton Strain, 12, of Clinton; Chance Truett, 13, of Baton Rouge; Scott Sugasti, 13, of Barataria, Daniel Sant, 13, of Baton Rouge, Cade Hood, 12, of Walker; Emma Gordon, 15, of Baton Rouge, Jeffrey Ragusa, 13, of Gonzales; Alexander Williams, 12, of St. Gabriel; Mac Prudhomme, 13, of Baton Rouge; David Johnson, 14, of Baton Rouge; Jamey Jacocks, 16, of Geismar; Jacob Jacocks, 15, of Geismar; Hunter Rube, 15, of Baton Rouge; and Cedric Brown Jr., 13, of Thibodaux. Sari Sant, 15, of Baton Rouge, received her hunting education certificate, but had to leave the camp early and missed the boating education portion.

On the final day of the camp, LDWF held a skills challenge consisting of skeet shooting, archery, canoeing obstacle course, fish identification test, casting and fishing contests to determine which two campers would win lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. The Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association (LWAA) donated lifetime hunting and fishing license went to Ficklin. Sugasti won the lifetime hunting and fishing license donated by the Louisiana branch of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA).

The LWAA and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation provided a daily lunch free of charge for the five-day summer camp. Cabela’s in Gonzales also donated a rod and reel combo set that each child received to upon completion of the camp. CCA also had volunteers on site and gave each student a CCA membership.

The boating education course is mandatory for anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower. The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements. The course also covers many navigation rules and charts, trailering, sailboats, canoeing, personal watercraft and more.

The hunter education course is mandatory for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1969, who plans on purchasing a hunting license. The hunter education curriculum includes sections on ethics and responsibility, wildlife management, firearms and ammunition, safety in the field, wildlife identification and wildlife conservation. The major objectives of the hunter education programs are to reduce the number of hunting accidents, improve the image of hunting through ethical and responsible conduct and promote the shooting sports.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- A new law recently signed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder will provide new hunting opportunities for youth under the age of 10 by creating a mentored hunting program for the 2012 hunting season. The program is known as the Hunter Heritage Program.

“This is a great opportunity for Michigan’s youth,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

“Our youngsters can start hunting earlier with a safe program, which can have a lifelong impact on their interest in conservation and natural resources. Since becoming Director, I made increasing participation in our hunting heritage one of my top four priorities. This program will help us achieve that goal.”

The new law provides hunting opportunities for youths under the age of 10 by allowing them to hunt in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program. The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has been charged with developing the program under the law.

The law also creates a mentored youth hunting license, which allows mentored youths to participate in a wide variety of hunting opportunities on a single license. Mentored youth hunting license holders will be able to hunt deer, turkey, small game, trap fur-bearers and fish for all species on this license.

In the coming months, the NRC will engage both department staff and external partners in developing the mentored youth hunting program, with the objective of having the program start in the 2012 license year.

Under the new law:

• A parent or legal guardian of the minor child must apply for the license on behalf of the child;
• A mentored youth hunting license will cost $7.50;
• The mentor, who must be at least 21 and possess a valid hunting license, will need to accompany the youth at all times;
• At age 10 the youth will no longer be eligible for a mentored youth hunting license, but will need to either take hunter safety and then purchase a regular license, or hunt under an apprentice license for up to two years.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Frequently Asked Questions: Re -Hunter Heritage Law/Mentored Youth Hunting Program

What does the new law do?
The law allows youths under the age of 10 to hunt with a mentor. Mentored youths will be required to obtain a mentored youth hunting license and hunt in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program, which is now being developed.

When does the program begin?
In the coming months, the NRC will engage with both department staff and external partners in developing the mentored youth hunting program, with the objective of having this program up and running for the 2012 license year.

How much will a mentored youth hunt license cost?
The cost for a mentored youth license is $7.50. The fee was established in the legislation that created the license.

What hunting privileges are provided under this license?
Resident small game, combination deer, spring and fall turkey, all-species fishing, and resident fur harvesters.

What is the apprentice license?
The apprentice license is for anyone 10 years of age and older who has not received hunter safety certification. An individual may hunt with an apprentice license for two license years. A regular licensed hunter who is 21 years or older must accompany the apprentice license holder into the field.

What license do I purchase once I receive my hunter safety certification?
If you are 10 years of age or older with hunter safety certification, you can purchase regular hunting licenses.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Michigan’s legislature has passed Families Afield legislation that would allow new youth to head afield under the guidance of an experienced adult mentor.

Senate Bill 207, sponsored by Senator Joe Hune (R- Hamburg Township) and House Bill 4371, sponsored by Representative Peter Pettalia (R- Presque Isle), have been sent on to Governor Rick Snyder. Together, the bills eliminate the state’s arbitrarily-set, minimum hunting age and create a new mentored youth hunting program.

Current state law prohibits youth under the age of 10 from hunting, even when under the supervision of a mentoring adult. Under this new legislation, these youth will now be able to experience hunting under a program administered by the state’s Natural Resources Commission. These new youth hunters in the program will be permitted to hunt while under the supervision of an experienced adult mentor.

“We sincerely thank Senator Hune and Representative Pettalia for recognizing the need for Michigan to take this major step forward for youth hunting recruitment and participation in Michigan,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services.

“If signed by the Governor, the legislation will allow parents to decide when their children are old enough to hunt under the guidance of an experienced adult mentor.”

Michigan is in the minority of states that arbitrarily limit when a youth may begin hunting.

“This legislation aims to increase youth involvement in hunting by allowing young hunters to safely experience outdoor hunting traditions under the supervision of an experienced mentor,” said Senator Joe Hune. “The new Mentored Youth Hunting Program will allow Michigan youngsters to experience our state’s great hunting heritage while learning safe hunting practices from an adult mentor.”

USSA worked with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) in developing and advocating for Senate Bill 207 and House Bill 4371.

“MUCC would like to personally thank Rep. Pettalia and Sen. Hune for their willingness to develop a positive solution to improve youth hunting safety and ethics,” said MUCC Executive Director Erin McDonough. “The Hunter Heritage bill is long awaited by Michigan families who cherish our state’s great outdoor traditions.”

If signed by Governor Snyder, the legislation would be Michigan’s second Families Afield bill. In 2006, Michigan passed Families Afield legislation that created an apprentice hunting license for those 10 and older while lowering the state’s minimum hunting age requirements for both big and small game.

The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the Families Afield coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Ben Coates, this year's recipient of the NWTF's national scholarship, proudly displays his winning checks. Click image for print quality version.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- On any given weekend, Ben Coates can be found serving meals to the needy or studying for his classes. Or he could be found hunting wild turkeys or planting food plots for wildlife management.

Though Coates shares many similarities with other high school seniors, his talents and accomplishments recently made him stand out among his peers.

For his hard work and dedication in the classroom, his community and the conservation field, Coates has earned NWTF’s 2011 national scholarship, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

“Hunting has helped me to grow into a young man who continues to learn about the greatness of God’s creation,” said Coates. “My family and I strive to provide habitats that will nurture the growth and development of all game species. I am dedicated to providing an investment for future generations to enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.”

Coates, of Concord, Va., attends Rustburg High School. He was selected from a group of 44 state scholarship recipients to be named the national winner. The combination of NWTF local, state and national funds awarded to Coates totaled $13,000.

To help the next generation of conservation leaders pursue their education, the NWTF makes more than $500,000 in scholarships available to high school seniors each year. NWTF chapters have awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarship money to deserving high school students across the country since 1999.

“The future conservation work of outstanding students like Ben ensures we can continue to enjoy the outdoors and the longstanding traditions we hold dear,” said Christine Rolka, NWTF director of education. “We are pleased to support Ben as he furthers his education and look forward to hearing about his many successes.”

An exceptional performer in academics, Coates has served on his student council and been a member of the National Honor Society and the National FFA Organization. He also has earned the coveted Boy Scout of America (BSA) Eagle Scout rank and membership in BSA’s Order of the Arrow.

Coates’ dedication to community service is evident through his hours spent delivering firewood to families in need of heating assistance, helping with roadside cleanup programs, participating in community food drives and cleaning yards for elderly residents. He even raises money to help provide food for two children in Third World countries.

Coates received the surprise announcement that he won the NWTF national scholarship while at his school’s year-end awards ceremony.

“When I saw that big check with my name on it, I was blown away,” Coates said. “I have a strong desire to help maintain land through conservation and provide years of future outdoor enjoyment for generations to come. This scholarship is another step toward having a career that will ultimately help me dedicate my time to achieving those goals.”

Coates’ strong work ethic helped him maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 4.25 for all of his classes throughout his high school career. He plans to begin his studies at Central Virginia Community College and then transfer to Virginia Tech to pursue a major in veterinary medicine and a minor in wildlife biology and conservation.

Coates and his family also will receive a trip to the 2012 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 9-12, in Nashville, Tenn., where he will be recognized for his achievement.

For more information on the NWTF scholarship program, call (800) THE-NWTF, email scholarshipinfo@nwtf.net or visit www.nwtf.org/education.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Efforts to expand youth hunting opportunities are on the move throughout the country.

These bills, which are in-line with the Families Afield initiative, are designed to introduce more youth to hunting.

Michigan HB 4371 eliminates the minimum hunting age and creates a mentored youth hunting program for those less than age 10. This allows youth to hunt under the supervision of an experienced adult mentor prior to completing hunter education. HB 4371 recently cleared the House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate. Similar legislation has already cleared the Senate, so further action will be needed before it is sent to the Governor.

New Jersey SB 2913 would allow the state to offer youth apprentice licenses for firearms and bow and arrow hunting. The licenses would allow youth ages 11 to 15 to try hunting under the guidance of an experienced adult mentor before having to completing hunter education. SB 2913 is currently pending in the Senate Committee on Environment and Energy.

New York SB 177 reduces the minimum age for youth to hunt deer or bear with a bow and arrow from 14 to 12. Under the bill, 12 and 13 year olds must be accompanied while hunting. SB 177 was recently signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Oklahoma HB 1338 expands the state’s apprentice hunting license to allow youth ages 8 and 9 to hunt. Currently, only youth 10 and older can use the apprentice license. HB 1338 was recently signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin.

Pennsylvania SB 502 would allow the state game commission to expand the mentored youth hunting program to include adults. Currently, only those 11 and under are able to participate.

The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the Families Afield coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY MO --(Ammoland.com)- The fourth Saturday in May marks the opening of squirrel season in Missouri. Hunters may pursue gray and fox squirrels from May 28 through Feb. 15, 2012, with rifles, shotguns or archery equipment. The aggregate bag limit is 10 squirrels and the possession limit is 20.

“Aggregate” means hunters may harvest any combination of fox and gray squirrels so long as they do not exceed 10 squirrels total in one day.

If hunters bag a daily limit two days in a row, they will have a possession limit of 20 squirrels. After that, they must eat or give away some squirrels before going hunting again in order to stay within the possession limit.

Hunters also may take squirrels with cage-type traps, as long as they label traps with their full name and address, or their Conservation number. Squirrel traps also must have openings measuring 144 square inches or less, for instance, 12 inches by 12 inches. Hunters must attend their traps daily. The same regulations apply to rabbits and groundhogs during their respective seasons.

Lonnie Hansen, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s resource scientist in charge of squirrel management, explained that squirrel numbers in the Ozarks are somewhat dependent on acorn production while squirrels have a more diverse and dependable food base in northern Missouri thanks to agricultural crops. As a result, squirrel populations are more stable there, and hunting is uniformly good from year to year.

“We had a tremendous acorn crop last fall so squirrel numbers should be building in the Ozarks,” Hansen said. “Squirrel numbers should also be high elsewhere. I think squirrel hunting should be excellent this year.”

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.

Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation

Buffalo, Missouri --(Ammoland.com)- The Northern Virginia Chapter 16 of Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. were awarded a grant for a new youth and instructor program.

The program will provide training for adult volunteers in the shooting sports, including equipment, designed to educate and expose the Boy Scouts of America in the area and other youth allowing them to experience and appreciate the recreational potential of the shooting sports and other outdoor programs.

“Our nation’s wildlife future totally depends on our youth experiencing and appreciating the natural settings in our lands and waters and getting them engaged in the outdoors as a portion of their natural versus electronic lifestyle,” states Craig Alderman of QUWF.

“No one who says they are a conservationists can afford to let another opportunity to get our youth engaged in the great outdoors, our hunting and fishing heritage, slip by. Our core focus at QUWF is getting chapters activated at all levels and we are blessed the Northern VA chapter and the NRA will partner with us to push more time outside to learn the responsibility and skills for not only merit badges, but life’s lessons,” emphasizes Alderman.

“Scouts and other youth in the local area have little opportunity to enjoy shooting sports in their communities, nor are they exposed to the responsibility of conservation stewardship so we accepted the challenge to do something about it,” says A.C. Duckworth, chairman of the NV 16 chapter. Continues Duckworth, “With this NRA Grant we will enhance the physical, cognitive and social conservation development of our youth through safe, educational, responsible and socially acceptable involvement in a shooting related activity. Teaching safe and responsible use of firearms equipment develops sound decision making, self -discipline and great auto neural skills. High standards of safety, sportsmanship and above all ethical behavior need to be mentored at all levels of society but especially to our youth.”

It is also a goal of the program to get family members and their friends involved thereby strengthening a families bond and understanding of our environment and what it takes from all of us to ensure its existence. Complementing other programs such as hunter education and safety will build a stronger base of understanding to our youth and adults alike.

Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc., a tax exempt 501(c)(3) conservation organization, was formed to serve its members and chapters nationwide, providing a strong local source of habitat focus on quail and upland wildlife and population recovery. Millions of dollars of habitat work have been completed by its members over the years on thousands of acres of both private and public lands, now that work continues with a renewed vitality. Our chapters from coast to coast, provide the grass roots, local habitat work that is making a difference each and every day. For more information or to join QUWF please visit our website at www.quwf.net.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) are encouraging hunters 15 years of age or younger to enter the 2010 Youth Hunter of the Year competition.

The contest requires youth hunters to submit a story about their hunting experience along with photographs of the hunt. LDWF and LOWA will then select a male and female youth hunter of the year based upon the stories and photos that are received.

Visit the LDWF website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/youth-hunter-registry-program for information on the Youth Hunter Registry Program and the 2010 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest.

Youth hunters who participated in any hunting activity during the 2010-11 hunting season are encouraged to participate. This is not a big buck or turkey contest. The program is about youths enjoying a hunting experience, with or without success, and keeping the hunting tradition alive in Louisiana. The deadline to enter the 2010 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest is June 30, 2011.

The two winners will be recognized at the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Conference this summer. Winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge.

Additionally, all participants who register their 2010-11 hunting experiences with the Youth Hunter Registry Program will be eligible to win a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters (winner to be selected by a random drawing).

For more information, contact Scott Durham at 225-765-2351 or sdurham@wlf.la.gov or David Moreland at 225-978-6552 or helfinroots@hotmail.com.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- While Pennsylvania’s junior pheasant hunt seems like a long way off, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe noted that now is the time for hunting clubs to make plans to host an organized junior pheasant hunt or other special hunts that have been established for squirrels, rabbits waterfowl or spring gobbler.

“The future of hunting is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians,” Roe noted. “The goal is to successfully compete with all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a young person’s time. It’s truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as Pennsylvania’s one million hunters.

“To maximize this opportunity for younger hunters, and to ensure we pass along the importance of ethics and sound ideals that have shaped our hunting heritage, the Game Commission urges local clubs to consider hosting a junior pheasant hunt or other special junior hunts in their communities.”

Those clubs interested in hosting a junior pheasant hunt are encouraged to use the 26-page planning guide prepared by the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide on how to develop an organized junior pheasant hunt. The guide book includes: a sample timeline; suggested committees and assignments; general event planning considerations; and several sample forms and news releases. It also includes event evaluation guides so clubs and organizations may consider changes for future junior pheasant hunts.

Roe noted that the junior pheasant guide can be adapted and used by clubs to host other special hunts, including for rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl and spring gobbler.

To view the guide, go to the Game Commission’s website, put your cursor over “HUNT/TRAP” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting” in the drop-down menu listing, select the “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing, and choose “Junior Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide” in the Junior Pheasant Hunt” section.

Once a club schedules a junior hunt, they can submit the information for posting on the Game Commission’s on-line “Special Hunts” calendar, which enables those looking to participate in a special junior hunts to locate, and register on-line for, an opportunity near them. Clubs that want to have their junior hunt advertised in the “Special Hunts” calendar should contact Julie Imes, Game Commission Outreach Coordinator, at jimes@state.pa.us, or at 717-787-4250 (ext. 3327).

“All youth who register for a youth hunt using this on-line calendar receive a free, one-year subscription to Game News,” Imes said. “Also, real-time registration information of how many participants are signed up is one benefit to clubs having their event included in the ‘Special Hunts’ calendar, in addition to reaching more potential participants.”

To bolster participation in the junior pheasant hunt, the Game Commission again plans to stock pheasants just prior to this special season. For the 2011 hunt, the agency will release 15,000 birds on lands open to public hunting. These areas will be identified in the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, as well as in future Game Commission news releases and on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Additionally, the Game Commission will provide, free of charge, a limited number of pheasants to those clubs that host a junior pheasant hunt. Applications must be received by July 22, and the only two stipulations to be eligible are that clubs must have registration open to the public and the hunt must be held on lands open to public hunting.

To participate in these junior hunts, youngsters must be 12 to 16 years of age, and must have successfully completed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. As required by law, an adult must accompany the young hunters. Participating hunters do not need to purchase a junior hunting license to take part in the junior hunt, but all participants must comply with the mandatory fluorescent orange requirements established for the season.

Based on previous surveys of junior pheasant hunt participants, about half of the juniors successfully bag game; a male relative had accompanied most of them; the majority of participants were between the ages of 12 and 14; and many of them intend to hunt again. The agency also received many positive comments about the junior hunting opportunity.

Pheasants Forever is a national non-profit habitat conservation organization with a system of hard-working local chapter volunteers dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife populations. Pheasants Forever emphasizes habitat improvement, public awareness and education, and land management policies that benefit private landowners and wildlife alike. For more information, visit the organization’s website (www.pheasantsforever.org).

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

WICHITA, KS --(Ammoland.com)- On Saturday, May 14, the Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association (CTAGA) will conduct their annual NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) beginning with check-in at 7:30 a.m. and running throughout the day.

The event will take place at the CTAGA Gun Range, northeast of Wichita off of K-254 highway near the Sedgwick-Butler county line, 15090 East 69th Street North in Wichita.

Youth 18 years old and younger are encouraged to attend the event. All participants must have completed a basic state hunter education course and present proof of hunter education certification. No prior hunting experience is required, but participants must be able to shoulder and control firearms.

Participants will compete in junior (age 14 and younger) or senior (age 15 through 18) categories. While the YHEC has a competitive side, the focus of the program is the personal challenge of improvement and the advancement of skills introduced in a basic hunter education course.

Challenge events include the following:

• shotgun course with clay targets, 12- and 20- gauge shotguns only, no adjustable cheek stocks or butt plates;
• muzzle-loading course with life-size game targets at 20 to 70 yards, .50 caliber muzzleloaders, ammunition, and No. 11 percussion caps provided. Participants may provide their own muzzleloader (.54 caliber or smaller) and respective balls and patches. In-line muzzleloaders with saboted bullets allowed but bullets and supplies not provided. No scopes allowed.
• light rifle (.22 caliber) course with life-size game targets at 15 to 60 yards. Equipment is limited to rifles designed for field use and hunting. Scopes no greater than 4X are allowed. High-velocity .22 ammo will be provided;
• archery course with 3-D game animal targets from 5 to 40 yards. Participants may bring their own bows and arrows. Some equipment restrictions include no more than six sight pins, no magnified sights, only one stabilizer 12 inches or shorter, field points only. Recurve bows will be provided. All compound bows will be shot at the longer distances. Compound bow shooters must bring their own arrows.
• wildlife identification to test knowledge of Kansas wildlife from animal mounts, hides, bird wings, tracks, horns/antlers, and other evidence. No identification guides are allowed.
• safety trail to test safe hunting and gun handling skills, game laws, and hunter ethics.

The cost of registration is $15, which includes all ammunition. (Do not bring ammunition unless allowed on above list.) All equipment and firearms will be provided if needed. The registration deadline is May 7, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. A light lunch will be provided for participants, volunteers, and parents. Awards will be presented at the completion of the challenge.

To register, mail a check and registration form to Jim Fry, 116 E. Sandhill Rd., Derby, KS 67037. Make checks payable to Jim Fry. For more information or registration forms, phone Jim Fry at 316-788-5026 or email yhec@att.net.

This event is sponsored by NRA Foundations Inc., Heartland Friends of the NRA, the Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, and Parks, and the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association.

The Northeast Wisconsin WTU Chapter held their annual Youth Pheasant Hunt last November for hunter safety graduates from the Coleman, Gillett, Lena, Oconto, and Oconto Falls areas. The youngsters shot clay pigeons and archery before they hunted pheasants with local hunters and their dogs.

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)-Funding from Whitetails Unlimited chapters has provided more than $17.6 million for local projects in the Central Whitetail states of Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin; and despite the economic downturn, attendance at WTU events remains strong.

“After looking at our numbers at the end of FY 2010, we find that over the years WTU has been able to fund projects totaling $17,681,729 in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin,” said Whitetails Unlimited Executive Director Pete Gerl.

“Our membership remains strong in this central area of Midwest deer hunting, and we expect to continue funding projects in the same manner as in the past.”

Whitetails Unlimited conducts fundraising events to raise resources for conservation, education, and the preservation of the hunting tradition. Unique among conservation organizations, WTU returns 50 percent of net event proceeds back to local chapters, to use on local projects.

“WTU’s local chapters in Wisconsin have funded hunter safety classes, youth outdoor education events, habitat acquisition and improvement projects, handicapped and wounded warrior hunts, range improvements, scholarships, and many, many other projects,” said WTU Field Director Jamie Merckx. Wisconsin has three full-time field directors, and they all work closely with their local chapters, according to Wisconsin Field Director Jim Wiltinger.

“Each chapter has different interests and local needs, and our job is to facilitate the banquet in order to raise as much money for projects as possible.”

LeRoy Schultz, WTU field director in northern Wisconsin, said, “We’ve been able to improve habitat and do many varied local projects, and it’s just great seeing what a difference it can make in a community. It’s humbling to see that we’ve raised more than $10 million over the years in Wisconsin.”

The total for Wisconsin is $10,693,142.

Michigan has a similar history; the first WTU banquet was held in 1985, and $15,818 was raised statewide that year. Since then, $5,161,196 has been raised by Michigan chapters for local projects.

Michigan Field Director Jim Kurdziel also sees many of the same type of projects financed by his chapters as in Wisconsin. “Hunter education is big, and many chapters have, or will, provide financing to local schools so they can participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program.” Jason Maraskine, WTU’s second Michigan field director, agrees.

“Our chapters are very involved with projects that bring other people outdoors: range improvements, education projects, youth camps, and NASP are just a few examples.”

In Illinois, WTU Field Director Darel Martin covers the entire state, where $1,827,391 has been raised for local projects since 1984.

“Illinois has had an amazing string of fundraising success, starting with just three thousand dollars in 1984, but growing to almost a quarter-million dollars last year,” said Martin. The exact amounts are $3,123 in 1984, and $245,584 in 2010. “I’m really proud to represent Whitetails Unlimited in Illinois, and I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true, together we can accomplish great things.”

“Local Illinois chapters help support the Illinois DNR, 4-H Shooting Sports, Boy Scouts, youth education days, hunter education, range and habitat improvement, and many, many other projects, including NASP,” said Martin. “Local banquets are a way for just a few people to do a little extra work, and have a huge impact in their local area. It’s gratifying to look at the cumulative numbers, because when you’re working day-to-day you don’t realize how much it adds up.”

The field directors in all three states said that groups who have local projects in need of funding should call them to discuss the possibility of hosting a WTU event. “We’re always looking for people who have projects in mind to improve conservation efforts in their community, “With a good idea and a few people willing to help out, we can accomplish great things,” said Wisconsin’s Jamie Merckx. Illinois’ Darel Martin agreed, noting, “Once we get a banquet going, almost every one repeats the next year, and that establishes an avenue for funds year after year.”

Michigan Field Director Jim Kurdziel said that an excellent tool for expanding the number of events he organizes is an existing event. “People bring a friend to their local banquet and then they can understand not only how much fun everyone has, but also how much money can be returned for local projects. Then they call to organize a banquet for their own local group.”

Anyone wanting more information about a WTU event can visit the Whitetails Unlimited website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call the WTU national headquarters at 920-743-6777. LeRoy Schultz (Wisconsin) can be reached at 715-762-4340; Jamie Merckx (Wisconsin) can be reached at 920-687-1099; Jim Wiltinger (Wisconsin) can be reached at 608-689-2234; Jim Kurdziel (Michigan) can be reached at 231-894-1515; Jason Maraskine (Michigan) can be reached at 989-486-1961; and Darel Martin (Illinois) can be reached at 309-389-4988.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

MALTA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Hunter education courses are set to begin in April in Missoula and Frenchtown, and students can register online now.

The Missoula classes begin the week of April 11, and students can elect to take a class on Monday and Wednesday evenings, April 11-May 2, or Tuesday and Thursday evenings, April 12-May 3. All classes are from 7-9:30 p.m. at Big Sky High School.

A field course is planned for Saturday, April 30. Interested students can register online now at fwp.mt.gov. Click on “Hunter Education Course Schedule” on the main page.

Frenchtown classes begin on Monday, April 4 with an orientation session from 6-7 p.m. at the Frenchtown Fire Hall, 16873 Marion Street. Classes will be held at the fire hall on Wednesday, April 27, Thursday, April 28 and Monday, May 2 from 6-9 p.m. each evening with a morning field course on Saturday, April 30.

Interested students can register online now at fwp.mt.gov.

Classes are free, and a student must be at least 11 years old to receive certification. Any person born after January 1, 1985 must present a Hunter Education Certificate in order to purchase a hunting license in Montana.

For a complete schedule of west-central Montana classes and more information, visit the FWP website, fwp.mt.gov or call 406-542-5500.

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

AUSTIN, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- Working in conjunction with the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance (ADWA), the Hunter Heritage Foundation is inviting young sportsmen (ages 8 to 15) to attend the 3rd Annual Pigapalooza Youth Hog Hunt.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at DB Hunting Ranch in Bertram, Texas, and will provide an afternoon of fun outdoor activities, a pork sandwich lunch and an evening hog hunt.

“Affordability and accessibility are major obstacles for getting our youth involved in hunting today, and our annual Pigapalooza Youth Hunt offers a great opportunity for kids to get outdoors, learn a little about wildlife and enjoy the thrill of hunting with a group of their peers,” says ADWA President John Meng.

“We’re very excited to provide this experience to young sportsmen who might not otherwise have the opportunity.”

The Hunter Heritage Foundation is a 501(3)c charitable organization dedicated to educating children on wildlife and conservation issues and increasing youth participation within hunting traditions. As part of its mission, HHF holds numerous camps and educational clinics during the year and produces SPIKES Magazine, a quarterly youth publication distributed to summer camps, industry events across the country and public libraries across the country.

The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization working to promote the deer and wildlife industry and to preserve our American outdoor traditions. As a part of its public education efforts, ADWA produces Points Journal, a full-color magazine covering industry news, wildlife management issues, products and services; and www.iHuntAmerica.com website, a comprehensive search engine for hunting ranches, game preserves and outfitters. ADWA also sponsors Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories, a nationally broadcast television program on the Pursuit Channel, and the Outdoor Patriot (www.OutdoorPatriot.com), a monthly podcast which features lively commentary and industry guests.

Cost is only $50 for one non-trophy class hog per youth hunter. Space is limited. Youth must be accompanied by parent or guardian with a valid Texas hunting license. Call ADWA to reserve space today at 877.331.8607.

To learn more about the ADWA or the Hunter Heritage Foundation, visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org or www.HunterHeritage.org or call 877.331.8607. To become an ADWA fan on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/pages/American-Deer-Wildlife-Alliance.

Outdoors Magazine

Vermont --(Ammoland.com)- The Barre Fish and Game Club is now accepting essay-style applications for its new Outdoor Adventure series.

The first adventure will be an “all-inclusive” youth turkey hunt. It will take place in the Central Vermont area. Lodging and food will be supplied Friday night through Sunday afternoon on the Vermont Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend; April 23 & 24, 2011.

Hunting destinations will be pre-scouted and landowner permission obtained. Our intention is to provide children and their families with a turkey hunting adventure “straight out of the hunting shows.”

Knowledgeable, qualified and experienced hosts from the Barre Fish & Game Club will accompany the children and families throughout the adventure.

The second adventure scheduled will be a bear hunt over bait during the New Hampshire black bear season. More details for this hunt will become available during the summer of 2011.

Win a Vermont Turkey Hunt - Youth Essay Contest

Essays shall be written by the proposed hunter, be no more than 2 pages (hand or type written), and state why the committee should choose them for our adventures. Have you got straight A’s 5 years in a row? Have you exemplified extraordinary community service? Are you the best big brother/sister ever? The reasons are endless and we encourage children to think outside the box.

No firearm, equipment or prior hunting experience is required. Children of all ability levels are encouraged to apply but all children must be 15 years of age or younger and have successfully passed a Hunter Safety Program.

On a separate sheet of paper (not to be considered towards the 2-page limit) include the hunter’s full name, mailing address and phone number. Also include the parent or legal guardian’s name(s) and their address and phone number if different from the hunters. Please state when and where the hunter passed their hunter safety course and any prior hunting experience. Please also indicate other outdoor activities that you enjoy and your experience with those activities, if any.

All applications shall be postmarked/emailed by March 23, 2011.

Essays shall be emailed to: jmperrigo@tds.net
-OR-
Essays shall be mailed to:

All essays will become the property of the Barre Fish & Game Club and will be kept in a confidential manner. The winning essay will appear in an upcoming issue of Outdoors Magazine.

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and expanded article descriptions, visit www.outdoorsmagazine.net.