Young Islanders interested in waterfowl hunting have an opportunity to learn all they need to know for a safe and successful waterfowl hunt at an upcoming workshop.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will host the seventh annual Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop at the Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club in Mount Albion September 9. Minister Jamie Ballem said the event is part of ongoing efforts to encourage young Islanders to carry on the hunting tradition.
“Hunting is part of our heritage in Prince Edward Island and the hunting community has always been a valued contributor to wildlife conservation. Through this workshop, a new generation of hunters will get an appreciation for the enjoyment of waterfowl hunting as respected veteran hunters pass on their genuine love of the sport.”
The full-day workshop includes both classroom and hands-on instruction on everything from waterfowl identification and blinds and decoys to bow hunting, duck and goose calling, hunter safety, and conservation ethics.
“Participants will have a chance to work on their hunting skills but they will also learn about all the other things that are part of being a responsible hunter such as wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife habitat,” said Minister Ballem.
Also on the workshop agenda, youth can participate in an optional skeet shoot. Refreshments, lunch and a supper-time barbecue will all be provided. The workshop is open to youth ages 12 to 17. While there is no cost, participants must register by September 1. The workshop will go ahead rain or shine so youth are advised to come prepared for all weather conditions.
As a follow-up to the workshop, youth between the ages of 12 and 17 can put their newly-acquired skills to the test on Waterfowler Heritage Day September 16. This day is set aside for young hunters to experience the sport of waterfowl hunting before the opening of the season. Youth hunt under the guidance of a licensed adult hunter who serves as a mentor. The mentor is not permitted to hunt but is there to provide advice and reinforce hunting skills as well as conservation principles, safety and ethics.
Youth who want to take part in the Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt must have a hunter safety certificate which will be offered at the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop September 9. They must also obtain a special permit from the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. There is no charge for the special permit but it allows the department to keep track of the number of participants, ensure they meet the safety requirements, and offer suggestions such as good locations for hunting, as well as areas that should be avoided because of environmental sensitivity.
Minister Ballem acknowledged the support of several partners who are making it possible to offer the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop: Canadian Wildlife Service, the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation, Red Rock Retriever Club, the PEI Trappers Association, Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club, Ducks Unlimited Canada and Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Ruffed Grouse Society, and the PEI Traditional Archery Association.
Young people interested in attending the workshop and/or participating in the Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt can contact the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-4683. Registration is limited, so youth are encouraged to register early.