Environment and Conservation
May 20, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation:

Workshop Fosters Youth Hunter Skills

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment and Conservation is partnering with rod and gun clubs in St. John's and Deer Lake to offer two Youth Hunter Skills Workshops next month. I am pleased to rise today in this Honourable House to encourage young people to participate in these sessions which promote safe and responsible involvement in hunting, trapping and other outdoor activities.

During these one-day workshops, youth between the ages of 12 and 17 will learn important hunting safety techniques for shotgun, rifle and archery equipment, along with tips on outdoor safety and survival skills and other important lessons about wildlife conservation and management.

Mr. Speaker, participation in hunting and trapping is a very significant part of our culture and heritage and plays an important role in practical wildlife conservation and management. The Stewardship and Education Section of my department's Wildlife Division is responsible for administering education and awareness programs that foster safe and responsible use of wildlife resources and the habitat upon which they depend. Programs include the Canada Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course, Trapper Education Course, Bowhunter Education and other workshops and events that encourage safe, responsible and knowledgeable participation while supporting recruitment and retention of hunters and trappers.

Organizations like local rod and gun clubs are important partners in these efforts.

Through knowledgeable and experienced members they help promote awareness about wildlife conservation throughout the province and allow the general public to learn and practice hunting skills in a suitable and safe environment.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask all Honourable Members to join me in congratulating the members and volunteers of the St. John's Rod and Gun Club and the Upper Humber Rod and Gun Club for their efforts and wish them success during these workshops, planned for June 6 and 13.

Mr. Speaker, by teaching our youth safe and responsible hunting and trapping techniques now, we are ensuring a future generation of safe and responsible hunters and trappers who respect and appreciate all our province's natural heritage has to offer.

For those interested in learning more, details about how to pre-register will be made available through the department in the coming days and additional information about other hunter and trapper education and outreach programs is currently available on the department's website.

2015 05 20                              2:30 p.m.