Winners of the 2012 Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program Announced

In an effort to support youth involvement in hunting, angling and trapping in the province, the Provincial Government partnered with the province of New Brunswick for the 2012 Atlantic Provinces’ Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program. Adam Eason of Conception Bay South is the provincial winner of the all-expenses paid trip to New Brunswick this week to take part in a small game hunt with Carroll Road Outfitters. Francois Boissonnault was named the New Brunswick winner and recently spent four days in Labrador fishing for Atlantic salmon at Pratt Falls Salmon Lodge on the Eagle River.

“I congratulate Adam and, along with his father Edwin, wish them a safe and successful hunt in New Brunswick,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “I also want to thank the staff of Pratt Falls Salmon Lodge in Labrador who offered a first-rate experience to Francois and his father Jacques, including accommodations, meals and professional guides for the duration of their trip. I understand it was a memorable experience for them.”

The exchange program is intended to create opportunities for youth in Atlantic Canada to experience hunting or angling in neighbouring provinces and gain an understanding of conservation values and wildlife management. Youth between the ages of 12-17 who participated in the provincial Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course between July 2011 and June 2012 qualified for this year’s draw, as well as youth who participated in other initiatives such as the young hunter skills workshops held during the same time period.

“One of the most important tools in wildlife management is having hunters and trappers in the field,” said Minister Hedderson. “We must ensure that young people are able to participate in the hunting opportunities that our province has to offer, and programs like this one certainly help to foster an interest in our hunting heritage.”

Additional sponsors for this year’s exchange program are Barnes Sporting Goods, Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Officers Association, and the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources.

For more information about the Atlantic Province’s Youth Hunting and Fishing exchange Program, visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/education/index.html or contact Jason Foster at 709-637-2063.

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Photo: The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, presents a hunting cap to Adam Eason, winner of the 2012 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 

2012 11 19             3:45 p.m.