Atlantic Provinces youth hunting/fishing exchange contest winner announced

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is pleased to announce that 17-year-old Robert Corbett of Colliers, Conception Bay has been selected as the Newfoundland and Labrador winner of the Atlantic Provinces Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program.

Prince Edward Island�s exchange winner, 13-year-old Nigel Fisher, drew Robert�s name from over 500 young people age 12 to 17 who participated in the province�s Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course between July 2002 and June 2003. Endorsed by the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, the Youth Exchange Program acknowledges the culture and heritage of hunting and fishing in the Atlantic region and recognizes the importance of involving youth in the pursuit of outdoor activities.

"This is the third year our province has taken part in the Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program," said Minister Bettney. "For decades Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and visitors have enjoyed hunting and fishing as a recreational pastime. Throughout our history, and still today, the harvesting of fish and game animals has provided meaningful sustenance value to both aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities within our province. The exchange program reminds our youth of the importance of conserving our wildlife resources and ensuring that we keep wildlife and wild places for future generations."

Robert and a parent or guardian, will travel to Prince Edward Island in October 2003 to participate in a three-day Canada Goose hunt being hosted by a local outfitter and PEI�s Department of Environment and Aquaculture, Wildlife Branch. The Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, Newfoundland Sportsman Magazine, Partridge Forever Society, Atlantic Printing and Complete Gunsmithing are sponsoring the cost of the trip. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is pleased that these organizations have contributed to this program as they have a vested interest in wildlife and contribute enormously to the economy and to the current and future responsibility in managing wildlife resources in this province.

"I am sure that Robert will no doubt enjoy and learn a great deal from his experiences in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Bettney. "This program is an excellent opportunity for our young people to become more involved in the stewardship of our wildlife resources and I hope their connection to the outdoors through hunting, fishing and other activities, becomes even greater."

Photo #1:  PEI Youth Exchange Winner, Nigel Fisher center with first salmon on the Humber River, his dad Wayne at left and Chris Baldwin, Training Specialist Inland Fish and Wildlife Division at right.

Photo #2:  Robert Corbett, NL Youth Exchange Winner receives congratulations from Robert Warren ADM of Parks, Natural Areas and Wildlife. Robert's dad is at left and Robert's brother Kyle is on the far right at their home in Colliers, NL.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-0857.

2003 08 07                                      11:35 a.m.

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