The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources is partnering with local rod and gun associations to offer hunter skills workshops to young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

Forestry and wildlife officials will be providing support to the St. John’s Rod and Gun Club, Notre Dame Rod and Gun Association, Upper Humber Rod and Gun Association and the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association to host information sessions designed to educate participants about wildlife conservation, safe and responsible hunting practices, firearm safety, bow-hunting techniques, and outdoor survival skills.

Youth wishing to take part must pre-register by email and be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the workshop. Please see the backgrounder below for scheduling and pre-registration information.

People are encouraged to sign up early as the numbers of available seats is limited. A nominal fee may be charged to cover costs associated with hosting the workshop.

This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“Our government made significant amendments to support interest and participation in hunting activities in this province in 2017 by reducing minimum hunting age regulations for our youth. We believe these changes were extremely important and benefit the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly youth and families. We welcome the opportunity to partner with local rod and gun clubs, Indigenous groups, local interest groups and businesses, as well as other provincial and national conservation organizations, to help mentor our young people. Providing opportunities for our youth to learn important safety skills and wildlife conservation through education and practical training is essential. We acknowledge the efforts of all the organizations and volunteers in helping to make these workshops happen.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

– 30 –

Learn More

Information about Hunter Training in Newfoundland and Labrador – www.gov.nl.ca/hunting-trapping-guide/outreach-programs/

2018-19 Hunting and Trapping Guide – www.gov.nl.ca/hunting-trapping-guide/

New Regulations Increase Access to Hunting – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/ffa/1108n07.aspx

Provincial Government Taking Action to Increase Access to Hunting – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/ffa/1027n01.aspx

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @FLR_GovNL 

Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources 
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Workshops are scheduled for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 and participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The locations and dates of workshops and registration details are as follows:

• St. John’s Rod and Gun Club – Saturday, June 30 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Pre-register by email: sandyryan@hotmail.com 
  
  
• Notre Dame Rod and Gun Association – Saturday, August 4 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Pre-register by email: ndrgc@live.com
• Upper Humber Rod and Gun Association– Saturday, August 25 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Pre-register by email: mail4upperhumber@gmail.com
• Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Range Facility– Saturday, September 8 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Pre-register by email: labradorhuntingandfishing@gmail.com