Minister announces 2002 Youth Hunting/Fishing Exchange winner

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation announced today the winner of the 2002 Atlantic Provinces Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program. Endorsed by the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, the Youth Exchange 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.

Curtis Glover, 16, of Trinity, is the provincial winner of the contest which was published in the 2002 Hunting and Trapping Guide. The contest was open to all residents of the province aged 12-17 who have completed the Firearms Safety/Hunter Education course or other sponsored event such as a hunter awareness workshop. Curtis�s name was drawn from over 450 who had entered the contest. He will travel to Prince Edward Island in October 2002, accompanied by a parent or guardian, to experience a three-day Canada Goose hunt. He will be hosted by the P.E.I. Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Fish and Wildlife Branch.

When contacted, Curtis and his parents, Anne and Clayton Glover, could hardly believe that he had won the trip. "I haven�t done much goose hunting before but I can�t wait to try," said Curtis. "Curtis enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities and has hunted and fished with us since he was old enough to walk," commented Mrs. Glover.

"The Youth Exchange Program encourages our young people to become involved in hunting and fishing and to take safety and education courses related to these sorts of activities," said Minister Bettney. "I commend all the young people who took part in courses or workshops over the past year. This will help ensure they will have a positive experience when they go into the outdoors."

Minister Bettney said the program also provides an opportunity for young people throughout the region to experience the diverse culture that can be found within the Atlantic Provinces. The draw on July 1, 2002, was conducted while P.E.I.�s exchange winner, Nathan Whalen, 13, and his mom were in the province for a three-day salmon and trout fishing trip.

Minister Bettney congratulated Curtis and wished him a successful and safe goose hunt in P. E. I. The minister also acknowledged the program sponsors whose contributions ensure the success of the exchange program. Travel arrangements for Curtis and his escort are sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association and Air Canada Jazz. The P. E. I. winner was hosted by Barb Genge of Tuckamore Lodge in Main Brook. Other Newfoundland and Labrador sponsors include the Newfoundland Sportsman, the Partridge Forever Society and Complete Gunsmithing Services.

For more information on the Atlantic Provinces Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange program, contact: Chris Baldwin, (709) 637-2020,

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928.

2002 07 17                             11:35 a.m.