Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program 2009 Winner Announced

Sixteen-year-old James Humby of Portugal Cove-St. Phillips is this year�s Newfoundland and Labrador winner in the Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program.

James was chosen from almost 300 youth who participated in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course between July 2008 and June 2009. In October, he will travel with his father, Barry Humby, to New Brunswick to participate in an upland bird and waterfowl hunt sponsored by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and White Pines Hunting Lodge.

�I want to congratulate James and wish him the best as he takes part in this hunting trip to New Brunswick," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "I am sure that James and his father Barry will have a very safe and successful hunting trip.�

James and his father will learn about the hunting practices and traditions in New Brunswick.

�Young people are the future stewards of our land, water and wildlife,� said Minister Johnson. �I encourage more of our youth to get involved in outdoor activities and explore our natural surroundings.�

The winner�s name was drawn by New Brunswick exchange winner, 13-year-old Kendra Ferris, who was accompanied by her father, Walter Ferris, on a recent salmon fishing trip to Newfoundland and Labrador. They enjoyed three days of guided salmon fishing on the Humber and Main Rivers. Accommodations were provided by Sterling and Irene Pittman of Big Falls Tourist Lodge.

Minister Johnson added her thanks to the volunteers and sponsors for their involvement and support of the program. Sponsors for this year�s exchange program include the Department of Environment and Conservation, Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Officers Association, Barnes Sporting Goods, Upper Humber Rod and Gun Association, Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited and Big Falls Tourist Lodge.

The Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program is endorsed by the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. For more information about the program visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/edu-train/index.htm or contact Chris Baldwin, Wildlife Division, at 709-637-2020.

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Photo: Winner of the 2009 Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program (L-R) Honourable Charlene Johnson Minister of Environment and Conservation and James Humby winner of the 2009 Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program.

Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2009 09 30                                                   11:45 a.m.