Minister announces winner of 2005 Atlantic Province’s
Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program  

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne was pleased today to announce that 16-year old Johnathon Woolfrey of Lewisporte is the Newfoundland and Labrador winner of the 2005 Atlantic Province ’s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program.  

As winner of the exchange program, Johnathon will travel with his grandfather, Gerald Woolfrey, to Nova Scotia in October of this year to participate in an upland game and bear hunt, sponsored by Bear Facts Outfitters and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.  

“I am truly delighted to make this announcement and I congratulate Johnathon and Mr. Woolfrey on being selected for this wonderful opportunity to visit Nova Scotia and learn about other hunting practices and traditions,” said Minister Osborne.  

Johnathon was chosen out of more than 450 young people who participated in Newfoundland and Labrador ’s Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course or sponsored youth event between July 2004 and June 2005.  The draw was made by Nova Scotia ’s exchange winner, 15-year-old Donovan Lloyd.  Donovan and his father Darren visited Newfoundland and Labrador in July of this year and enjoyed a three-day salmon fishing trip on the Humber River .  Accommodations were provided by 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 . The 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 truly a good news story and I send along my sincerest congratulations to Johnathon,” said Lewisporte District MHA Tom Rideout.  “This experience will provide a tremendous opportunity for Johnathon to obtain and nurture the skills that will allow him to develop as a young man and hunter.  I commend him on earning this opportunity and I encourage all of our youth to take a similar initiative and become involved in these programs.  I am certain that Johnathon will make memories that will last a lifetime during his visit to Nova Scotia , and I wish him all the best.”  

“The youth exchange program helps bring together many organizations and individuals who support the heritage and future of hunting and fishing, and I encourage others to become involved,” added Minister Osborne.  “The volunteers, sponsors and other supporters of the program are what make it a success. I commend everyone for their involvement and commitment to this worthwhile initiative.”

Sponsors for this year’s exchange program include the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, which is providing air travel to Nova Scotia for Johnathon and his grandfather; Newfoundland Sportsman Magazine; Universal Helicopters Ltd.; Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Officers Association; St. John’s Rod and Gun Club; Outdoor Supply Store, Lewisporte; and the Notre Dame Bay Rod and Gun Club.  

For more information on the Atlantic Province ’s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program, contact Chris Baldwin, training specialist, (709) 637-2020 .  

Photo #1: Sixteen year old Johnathon Woolfrey of Lewisporte is this year's winner of the 2005 Atlantic Province’s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program. Johnathon is shown here with his grandfather, Gerald Woolfrey.  

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575 , 685-6612  

2005 08 01                                                        11:40 a.m.