Young Islanders interested in taking up waterfowl hunting have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport before the season begins.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment will host the third annual Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop at Camp Buchan in Point Prim Saturday, September 14.
Environment Minister Chester Gillan said the free workshop is designed to encourage youth involvement in the sport of waterfowl hunting and ensure beginning hunters get off on the right foot.
"Through the workshop we want to provide an opportunity for young people not only to enhance hunting skills, but also to learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife habitat. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a new generation of knowledgeable young hunters who are good stewards of their resources," said Minister Gillan.
During the full-day workshop skilled instructors will provide training in all the areas necessary 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 21 which is designated Waterfowler Heritage Day. It is designed to introduce young hunters to the sport of waterfowl hunting in a safe, controlled and supervised environment. 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, and obtain a special permit from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment. 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 Canadian Wildlife Service, Red Rock Retriever Club, the PEI Trappers Association, Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club, the PEI Trail and Tree Hound Association, and Ducks Unlimited Canada in the delivery of the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop. Also joining the list as a major sponsor this year is Delta Waterfowl Foundation.
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.