2009/11/11—Young hunters checked 13,328 deer during the early portion of Missouri’s youth firearms deer season Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, barely missing a record.

The first Youth Portion of Firearms Deer Season was in 2001, when hunters age 11 through 15 checked 6,277 deer. The most ever taken during the two-day hunt was 13,466 in 2004.

Top counties statewide were Osage with 318 deer checked, Franklin with 295 and Callaway with 240.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, this year’s early youth deer harvest is 28 percent larger than last year. That comes on the heels of an 83-percent increase in the number of deer killed during the four-day Urban Portion of Firearms Deer season compared to 2008.

Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen said two factors contributed to this year’s strong urban and youth deer harvests. One was weather. Cool conditions during both seasons favored increased deer movement, making the animals more visible to hunters.

Another factor in hunters’ favor was the number of deer carried over from the 2008 hunting season.

“Last year we more than doubled the number of counties where the four-point rule applied,” said Hansen. “That was sure to hold down the number of deer taken in the 36 counties where the rule was new.”

Hansen noted that when the four-point rule went into effect in 2004, the deer harvest dropped 14 percent in the 29 affected counties. Over the following three years, the harvest in those counties rebounded, as surviving bucks grew larger antlers and became legal to shoot.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recorded one firearms-related deer hunting incident during the youth season. A 9-year-old hunter in Knox County was walking to a hunting blind Nov. 1 when his .243-cal. rifle discharged, striking his 18-year-old brother in the leg. It was the third firearms-related hunting incident in the youth season’s nine-year history. One occurred in 2007, and one occurred in 2008.

Next on Missouri’s deer-hunting calendar is the November Portion of Firearms Deer Season Nov. 14 through 24. This portion normally accounts for approximately 80 percent of the state’s firearms deer harvest.

Three other portions follow the November hunt. The Antlerless Portion runs from Nov. 25 through Dec. 6. The Muzzleloader Portion is Dec. 19 through 29. The final portion of the firearms season is the Late Firearms Youth Portion Jan. 2 and 3.

Missouri also has an archery deer season that opens Sept. 15 and closes Jan. 15, with an 11-day hiatus during the November firearms deer season.

“I had always admired them from a far, but actually getting a chance to hold one was an amazing experience,” wrote one Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) enrollee about their goose banding experience on Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Wisconsin. Another enrollee wrote, “That experience will last me a lifetime!”

Ron Fisher, Assistant Manager at Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge commented, “I think some of the more fun days for our YCC enrollees were when they were involved in their environmental education activities.” Fisher coordinated two YCC crews throughout the summer. Most of their work involved maintenance, including helping pouring the foundation for a bunkhouse and repairing accessible trails.

On the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge YCC Crew Leader Arena Bark taught her YCC crew about scientific study protocol. Then they jumped in the river and started diving under the water to collect wild celery. Each youth was asked to file a program evaluation. One of the youth wrote, “I enjoyed [the most] diving on Lake Onalaska for the Wild Celery Survey.” As you can imagine a hot summer day spent working “in the river” was a special memory.

Bill Thrune, Wildlife Refuge Specialist commented, “I’m a graduate of a program called the Neighborhood Youth Corps and it was probably my first foot in the door to my career. I would call it my first real job. I imagine some of our YCC enrollees may pursue a career in conservation after their summer job experience, just like I did.”  

So, YCC experiences may offer an experience to last a lifetime and offer a career in the making.

10/26/2009 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that the agency is partnering with the non-profit group Friends of Five Rivers to construct a new education building at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar (Albany County).

Friends of Five Rivers, a citizens’ group that supports education initiatives at the center, facilitated a $500,000 donation to build a new “Guided School Program” building for students. Since 1980, Friends of Five Rivers has coordinated the administration of the program, which provides on-site, outdoor lessons to classes throughout the school year. The program had been based in an aging building called the Goose Lodge since the mid 1980s. Several years ago, Friends of Five Rivers approached DEC about underwriting construction of a new facility.

The donation was given by the Repass family of Marion, Mass., through Friends of Five Rivers. Their daughter, Wendy Repass Suozzo, was a longtime educator at Five Rivers and ran the Guided School Program for many years.

“This is a momentous day for Five Rivers, which has been a popular destination for students, local residents and visitors for decades,” Commissioner Grannis said at a groundbreaking ceremony at the center. “We are grateful to the Repass family for their donation that will make the Guided School Program building possible. And we are proud to point out that our long-standing partnership with Friends of Five Rivers has helped countless children and families build memories of this special place. This is an example of a public-private partnership at its best and we look forward to continuing to work together to connect New Yorkers to nature.”

“As fewer and fewer children spend time outdoors understanding and appreciating our natural environment, educational centers such as this one become even more essential,” said Judith Enck, Governor David A. Paterson’s Deputy Secretary for the Environment. “We are eternally grateful to the family of Wendy Repass Suozzo for their generosity. Working with Friends of Five Rivers and the dedicated professional staff of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Wendy has inspired the establishment of a community resource that will touch thousands of our children. I can think of no greater legacy that honors Wendy’s passion for environmental education and stewardship.”

“Thirty years ago, my daughter, Wendy, helped initiate the Guided School Program to introduce students to the wonders of the great outdoors. With this donation, our family is very pleased to be able to enhance this vital program in Wendy’s memory,” said Herb Repass, who was joined by his wife, Peggy, at the ceremony.

RoseAnne Fogarty, president of the Friends of Five Rivers, highlighted the volunteer instructors who would be the primary users of the new building. “The Guided School Program is one of the best examples of the partnership between DEC and the Friends,” Fogarty said. “Since 1978, the DEC staff naturalists have trained volunteers in environmental studies, and the volunteers have contributed their passion for nature and for sharing it with schoolchildren. The new building recognizes a successful partnership of more than 30 years, and I know that partnership will continue and grow.”

Located just outside Albany, Five Rivers began as a state-run game farm but was converted into an environmental education center in 1970. Its 400-plus acres includes 12 miles of trails and interior roads, 16 ponds and wetlands, and expanses of forest, field and brush habitats.

DEC worked with the state Office of General Services to develop a Five Rivers master plan in 2007, which recommended building a new home for the school program. OGS determined the old building had outlived its useful life and was too costly to maintain. DEC staff will construct the new facility.

The new building will serve as a classroom for student orientation before venturing outside, or for use during inclement weather. It will also provide space for volunteer instructors to prepare lessons and to store teaching materials. And it will afford an opportunity to showcase “green” architecture and landscape design to upwards of 100,000 visitors annually.

This event is a fund-raiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Henry Ford Health System — Hospice/Sandcastles Grief Support for Children and Families. It will feature eight bands, 80 artists and 60 vendors.

This event is to help children who have suffered a loss or are dealing with major medical conditions. This free event is for all ages. Proceeds from all sales and donations will help support these charities.

“Artunes on the Mountain” will be held at the Trout Lake Unit of Bald Mountain Recreation Area. The entrance to the Trout Lake Unit is located at 3135 Lapeer Rd. (M-24), approximately three miles north of I-75, off Exit 81, near Lake Orion.

For more information about this event, the park, accessibility or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park supervisor at (248) 693-6767 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit www.michigan.gov/baldmountain.

Although this event is free, all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

For a listing of other fall harvest events taking place at Michigan state parks and recreation areas, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors.

ATHENS, Texas-The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) has agreed to host the 2010 national State-Fish Art expo next July.

“The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is an ideal location to host the expo,” said TFFC director Allen Forshage. “We have a conference center, aquaria and educational exhibits and stocked fishing ponds on-site. Athens is conveniently located just 1.5 hours southeast of Dallas, and the community fully supports TFFC’s activities.”

For the past three years TFFC has managed the Texas division of the national conservation art contest, and during that time Texas has led the country in the number of entries. Last year 624 Texas students in grades 4-12 submitted entries, a fourth of all the entries nationwide.

“We’re thrilled that Texas, the leading State-Fish Art state, offered to host the expo to highlight the national winners in true Texas style,” said Doug Grann, president of Wildlife Forever, national sponsor of the contest. “By moving the expo to Texas, we hope to inspire other states’ participation and get more students to enter the contest.”

The State-Fish Art contest is open to all students in public, private or home schools and requires submission of a one-page essay and a drawing of an officially recognized state fish. Entry deadline is March 31 each year.

Educators who wish to have their students enter the contest can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at http://www.statefishart.com. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary and student worksheets.

Contest rules, guidelines and entry information can be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart. Additional information can be obtained from the coordinator of the Texas division, Zoe Ann Stinchcomb, at (903) 670-2239 or zoeann [dot] stinchcomb [at] tpwd [dot] state [dot] tx [dot] us.

The public portion of the State-Fish Art Expo will be held July 17, 2010 and will feature fishing, instructional seminars and demonstrations and a display of all the state and national contest winners. Plans are being made for a day-long schedule of events with food booths and outdoor activities and displays that the public can enjoy in addition to viewing the artwork and voting for the People’s Choice Award. Public admission to the expo and related activities will be included with paid admission to TFFC.

One outstanding piece of artwork each year is selected for the Art of Conservation Award, and a commemorative stamp featuring the artwork is produced for sale. Proceeds from sales of the stamp are used to fund conservation projects. In 2007 a drawing of a Guadalupe bass, the Texas state fish, by Eagle Lake student Clayton Bowen, was selected as the Art of Conservation winner. The 2010 winner will be unveiled at the expo.

Support for the Texas division of the contest and the expo are provided by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, which makes it possible for the top three Texas entries in each grade level to win cash prizes. First place in grades 10-12 wins $1,000; second place $750; third place $500. Prizes in the 4-6 and 7-9 grade levels are $100 for first; $75 for second; $50 for third.

Located in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Wildlife Forever is a non-profit multi-species conservation organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on the ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.

“These special youth hunts provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to our state’s strong hunting heritage,” said Taylor. “The mild days of early fall are a great time to be afield with our youth, and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to mentor our youngsters on the various aspects of hunting such as the safe handling of firearms, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation.”

Youth Waterfowl Season Sept. 26
Youth waterfowl hunters must be less than 16 years of age on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth waterfowl season. Youth hunters age 14 and under are not required to have a hunting license. Those who have reached their 15th birthday must possess a valid state hunting license (A, XJ, XXJ, AB-L or A-L) and HIP registration card, or be a qualified resident landowner. The youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age. Landowners over 15 years of age are not exempt from the requirement to carry a valid migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp, commonly called the duck stamp. The daily bag limit for the waterfowl hunt is the same as during the regular season with several species restrictions.

Youth Squirrel Season Oct. 3
Youth squirrel hunters must be less than 15 years of age on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth squirrel season. Youth hunters are not required to have a hunting license; however, they must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult may not hunt or carry a firearm or bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance. The daily bag limit for the youth squirrel season is six squirrels.

For additional information, hunters should check the 2009-2010 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2009-2010 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations.  These publications are available at all license agents, DNR offices and the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.

Young shooters will be honored by representatives of the U.S. Olympic shooting program and Miss Outdoor Missouri.

LINN CREEK, Mo.–Hundreds of young shooters from across the state will descend on this Camden County community Sept. 27 to vie for honors in the Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance’s (MYSSA) first Youth Fall Classic Trap Shoot.

The event will be held at the 60-field Missouri Trap Shooters Association (MTA) facility near Camdenton. It will include categories for collegiate, high school, junior high, FFA, women, and clubs, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Youth Hunter Education Challenge.

Competitors will shoot 100 targets from the 16-yard line. Prizes in each category will include plaques and belt buckles. All shooters will be eligible for door-prize drawings. Shooting equipment vendors will be on site to display and sell their goods.

Following the awards ceremony, the 30 highest-scoring competitors will be invited to a reception with state dignitaries, including Miss Outdoor Missouri, and representatives from the U.S. Olympic shooting program.

Registration is open until Sept. 21 at the MTA Association website at: motraps.com. Click on the Youth Fall Classic tab for details.

MYSSA Executive Director Jan Morris said the youth trap shoot will be an annual event. The MYSSA is an organization of affiliates representing most of the major youth shooting and hunting programs in the state. Visit its website, moyouthshooting.org.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish Florida, the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department and the Sport Fish Restoration Program present a free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children ages 4-16 on Sept. 12.  Registration for the Saturday event will be 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic will be at the Indian RiverSide Park.

This free event will enable young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. In addition, environmental displays will provide participants with a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.

Kids’ Fishing Clinics strive for several goals, but the main objective is to create responsible marine-resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems.

Also, the clinics aspire to teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and provide participants with a positive fishing experience.

Fishing equipment and bait will be supplied for children to use during the clinic, but those who own fishing tackle are encouraged to bring it.  A limited number of rods and reels will be given away to participants upon completion of the clinic.

If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the pier. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity, and an adult must accompany all participants.

Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteer at the clinic should contact Jeff Hughes at 772-221-1419 or Gus Cancro with the FWC at 850-488-6058.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling, Fort Clinch State Park and the Sport Fish Restoration Program present a free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children ages 4-16 on Saturday, June 13. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic returns to the usual place this year – Fort Clinch State Park – after a one-year change of venue.

This free event will enable young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety measures. In addition, environmental displays will provide participants with a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.

Kids’ Fishing Clinics have several goals, but the main objective is to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. Also, the clinics aspire to teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and provide participants with a positive fishing experience.

Clinic hosts will supply fishing equipment and bait for children to use during the event, but they encourage those who own fishing tackle to bring it.  A limited number of participants will receive rods and reels upon completion of the clinic.

If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the pier. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteering at the clinic should contact Marie Bucher with the Department of Environmental Protection at 904 -277-7233 or Gus Cancro with the FWC at 850-488-6058.

Cherokee Kid’s Camp is held at the Cherokee Wildlife Management Area in northeast Oklahoma. Youth age 15 and under are welcome, and the event is free. No pre-registration is required.

“Hunting and fishing are part of Oklahoma’s heritage, but today a number of rural and urban kids are never exposed to these activities,” said Ron Justice, wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Department. “The camp is designed to introduce kids to hunting and fishing, and encourage future involvement in Oklahoma’s most traditional outdoor sports. In addition, everything needed to participate is provided, and the event is free, even the lunch.”

Participants at Kid’s Camp will have the opportunity to participate in several outdoor activities, including shooting sports such as archery, air rifles, paintball, .22 rifles, muzzleloading firearms and shotguns. In addition, kids can go fishing in a stocked pond and visit exhibits on reptiles, mountain men, knife making, flint knapping, taxidermy, trapping, turkey calling, and wildlife.

Kid’s Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and food and drinks as well as the use of fishing tackle, ammo, and firearms will be provided free of charge.

To get to the Cherokee WMA, drive approximately 10 miles east of Fort Gibson on Highway 62, then two miles south at the Midway Conoco to the Zeb Entrance of the wildlife area. Once inside the WMA, drive one mile to the WMA Headquarters.

For additional information contact Ron Justice at (918) 260-8959. For more information about other outdoor activities offered by the Wildlife Department, such as fishing, hunting, hunter education or aquatic education clinics, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Minnesota residents 18 and older can fish for free during these days when they accompany an angler younger than 16.

“Most kids would love to go fishing,” said Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mentoring program coordinator. “By eliminating the need for a license on these three days, we’re providing an opportunity for family and friends to try the recreational sport of fishing with a youth and encouraging people to get outdoors, have fun, and discover the joys of fishing.”

Several Minnesota state parks are planning events corresponding to Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend including:

Armchair Angling at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park on June 6.

Take A Kid Trout Fishing Day at Whitewater State Park on June 6.

I Can Fish! at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park on June 7.

Additional information about events at state parks is available online.

More information about places to fish is available online.

National Fishing and Boating Week is June 6-14. Boating information, fishing tactics, tips on equipment and safety, advice and stories from pro anglers is available online.

The LaCrosse Fish Health Center was founded in 1962, and services the Great Lakes/Big Rivers Region of the upper Midwest by providing fish health screening and wild fish health surveys on selected wild fish populations.  The LaCrosse National Fish and Conservation Office works to conserve, enhance, and protect aquatic ecosystems in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. Genoa National Fish Hatchery was developed in 1932 with the creation of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Genoa NFH supports Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River fish recovery efforts, and rears more than 20 species of fish, including lake trout, coaster brook trout, bass, bluegill and sturgeon. The hatchery also serves as a repository for threatened and endangered mussels, including the endangered Higgin’s Eye Pearly Mussel and Winged Mapleleaf mussel.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov

The 624 entries received was the largest number ever entered from a single state in this national contest, which is sponsored by Wildlife Forever of Brooklyn Center, MN.

Winners in the 4-6 grade level division were: First place, Christian Hernandezzegada, Killeen; second place, Samuel Bickham, Shiner; third place, Julie Ybarra, Brownsville.

Winners in the 7-9 grade level division were: First place, Brady King, Livingston; second place, Katya Lopatko, Grapevine; third place, Mary Campbell, Fort Worth.

In grade levels 10-12, winners were: First place, Margaret Sone, Dallas; second place, Hailey Sowden, Dallas; third place, Bethany Berg, Dallas.

Honorable mentions were awarded to: Ryan Lockhart, The Woodlands; Adrian Ramirez, Brownsville; Janelle Campos, Brownsville; Michael Florez, Brownsville; Jackie Morey, Magnolia; Susanna Hoffpauer, Valley View; Makenzie Williams, Wills Point.

Also, Alina Hail, McKinney; Isabella Orozco, McKinney; Sam Baxter, McKinney; Elise Broadway, Dallas; Amber Wang, Katy; Bonnie Leung, Austin.

Honorable mentions also went to: Kinsey Simmons, The Woodlands; David Rutledge, Stephenville; Caroline Traeger, Dallas; Jinda Cason, Dallas; Xinyi Chen, Dallas; Maryam Ogunkoya, Houston; Rachel Kalich, Shiner.

Prizes were awarded to first through third places in each grade level. In grades 4-6, savings bonds were awarded in the following amounts: first place $100, second place $75, third place $50.

In grades 7-9, first place received $100 cash, second place $75, third place $50.

First place in grades 10-12 paid $1,000 cash, second place $750, third place $500.

The three first place winners also receive financial assistance to attend the national competition in Brooklyn Center, MN, in August.

Every entrant received a certificate and a free fishing lure from Strike King Lure Company.

The Texas division of the State-Fish Art Contest is sponsored by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.

Annual deadline for entering the contest is March 31. For more information visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/education/fish_art/.

Youth, ages 15-18, will be based at a residential program site in St. Croix State Park for eight weeks. They will travel in crews led by staff members to various state and federal lands to camp out and work on conservation projects.

“Participants can expect to work hard on projects such as trail construction, erosion control, bridge and boardwalk building, and invasive exotic plant removal,” said Eric Antonson, MCC youth programs manager.

The outdoor residential nature of MCC provides a unique opportunity for youth to develop and strengthen leadership skills, work ethic, camping skills, and an understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.

Weekend activities include canoe trips, wilderness hikes and high-adventure challenges. The program runs June 21 through Aug. 15, and participants earn a stipend of $180 per week with room and board provided.

MCC, which hires an equal number of males and females, encourages minority youth to apply. Up to 20 deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, who will work with deaf staff and trained sign language interpreters, will also be hired.

To receive an application, contact Eric Antonson in the MCC office at Eric [dot] Antonson [at] conservationcorps [dot] org or 651-209-9900.

The Minnesota Conservation Corps was created in 1981 by the Minnesota Legislature to do two things – engage youth and young adults in enhancing natural resources and provide opportunities for training and life skills development.