While the hunting season is still a few weeks away, young Islanders interested in the sport of waterfowl hunting will have the opportunity to test their skills this weekend.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan is reminding all Islanders that this Saturday, September 15, has been designated as Waterfowler Heritage Day. On that day, youth ages 12 to 17 can hunt when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter who serves as a mentor. The mentor is not permitted to hunt.
"We want to give young hunters the opportunity to experience the sport of waterfowl hunting in a safe, controlled and supervised environment," Minister Gillan said. "The mentor will be there to provide advice and reinforce hunting skills as well as safety, conservation and ethical aspects of hunting."
To be eligible to participate in the Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt, youth are required to obtain a special permit from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment and they must have completed a three-day firearm safety course.
"There is no charge for the permit. It simply allows my department to keep track of the number of participants and ensure that they meet the safety requirements," said Minister Gillan. "The other benefit is that staff have the opportunity to speak with the young people when they call to register. They can suggest good locations for hunting and advise what areas are sensitive and should be avoided."
Waterfowler Heritage Day comes on the heels of the second annual Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop. The event, hosted by the department's Fish and Wildlife Division in cooperation with the Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous Island conservation groups, attracted approximately 50 young people.
The full-day workshop took the participants through all the preparation for a safe, ethical and successful waterfowl hunt. Topics included waterfowl identification, blinds and decoys, distance judging, duck and goose calling, ethics and safety, and conservation.
"The workshop gave young hunters a solid foundation to build on," said Minister Gillan. "The Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt will further encourage the development of responsible young hunters to carry on the tradition of hunting in Prince Edward Island."
To obtain a special permit to participate in the Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt, youth are asked to contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-4683.