Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Kevin J. MacAdam, is encouraging young people interested in waterfowling to learn more about the sport through an upcoming workshop.
The department's Fish and Wildlife Division is organizing the first annual Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop for beginning hunters, ages 12 to 17. Minister MacAdam said the free workshop is designed to encourage youth involvement in the sport of waterfowl hunting and ensure beginning hunters learn about environmental issues related to the conservation and stewardship of wetland habitats and wildlife.
"With proper training young waterfowl hunters will become better stewards of their resources. The workshop will instill principles of conservation in young hunters and increase awareness of the value of wetland habitats and wildlife," the minister said in a news release.
The Waterfowl Hunting Workshop will be held September 9, 9 am to 4 pm, at Camp Buchan in Point Prim. The program is designed to take the participants through all the preparation for a safe, ethical and successful waterfowl hunt. Topics covered will include waterfowl identification, blinds and decoys, distance judging, duck and goose calling, ethics and safety and conservation; and dogs will be on hand for retrieving demonstrations.
Minister MacAdam said the long-term goal of the program is to enhance wildlife and wetland habitat in Prince Edward Island - first, by developing knowledgeable young hunters, and second, by increasing participation in waterfowl hunting.
"Programs to conserve and enhance wetland habitat are being impacted by declining resources as a result of declining interest in waterfowl hunting," the minister explained. "By helping beginning hunters get off on the right foot, we will enhance the hunting experience. The end result will be a greater number of long-term participants and, in turn, an improved long-term funding base for conservation efforts."
Minister MacAdam acknowledged the support of the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation, Red Rock Retriever Club, the PEI Trappers Association, Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club, and the PEI Trail and Tree Hound Association in the development of the Waterfowl Hunting Workshop.
Youth interested in attending the workshop are asked to pre-register. For further information, contact John Clements, Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-4683 or (902) 964-2948.