With hunting season just around the corner, a free workshop is being planned to help young Islanders learn all they need to know for a safe and successful waterfowl hunt.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will host the sixth annual Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop at the Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club in Mount Albion September 10. Minister Jamie Ballem said the event is part of ongoing efforts to encourage young Islanders to carry on the hunting tradition.
“PEI has seen a decline in the number of hunters and an increase in the average age of hunters in recent years and we want to try to reverse that trend,” said Minister Ballem. “Respected veteran hunters who have a genuine love of the sport will lead the workshop so young hunters will get a real appreciation for the enjoyment of waterfowl hunting.”
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, firearm 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, hunting dogs will be doing retrieving demonstrations, there will be black powder demonstrations, and 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 2. 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 17. Designed to give young hunters the opportunity to experience the sport of waterfowl hunting before the opening of the season, the day is set aside for youth to 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 complete a three-day firearm safety course which is free to participants ages 12 to 17. The course will be offered August 19-21 in Charlottetown; September 2-4 in Souris, Montague and Charlottetown; and September 16-18 in O’Leary, Summerside and Charlottetown. Youth must also obtain a special permit from the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry 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 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, Island Guns and Gear, 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.