Young Islanders interested in taking up the sport of waterfowl hunting this fall have an opportunity to learn the basics at an upcoming workshop.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment will host the fourth annual Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop at Camp Buchan in Point Prim, Saturday, September 13. The free workshop is open to youth ages 12 to 17. Environment Minister Chester Gillan said the idea is to encourage youth involvement in the sport of waterfowl hunting by helping beginning hunters get off on the right foot.
"Under the watchful guidance of responsible and respected veteran waterfowl hunters, workshop participants will enjoy a safe, controlled introduction to hunting," said Minister Gillan. "They will learn the value of wetland habitats and wildlife and the importance of conservation. In short, they will become better stewards of their resources."
During the full-day workshop, skilled instructors will take participants through all the preparation for a safe, ethical and successful waterfowl hunt. That includes everything from waterfowl identification and blinds and decoys to distance judging, duck and goose calling, ethics and safety, and conservation. As well, dogs will be on hand for retrieving demonstrations and youth may participate in an optional skeet shoot. Refreshments, lunch and a supper-time barbecue will all be provided.
Young people will have the opportunity to put their newly-acquired skills to the test September 20 which is designated 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 but is there to provide advice and reinforce hunting skills as well as conservation principles and safety and ethics.
Youth participating in the Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt must complete a three-day firearm safety course, which is free to participants ages 12 to 17. The course will be offered September 5-7 in Souris, Montague, Charlottetown and O'Leary. Youth must also obtain a special permit from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment to hunt on Waterfowler Heritage Day. 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 Gillan acknowledged the support of the following partners and sponsors of the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop: Canadian Wildlife Service, Red Rock Retriever Club, the PEI Trappers Association, Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and Dave McLellan's Canada Goose Hunting.
Young people interested in attending the workshop and/or participating in the Waterfowler Heritage Day hunt can contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-4683. Youth are asked to register for the workshop by September 5.