Minister announces 2006 Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program winner

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that 17-year-old Matthew Murphy of St. John�s is the Newfoundland and Labrador winner of the 2006 Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program.

As winner, Matthew will travel with his father, Brian Murphy, to New Brunswick in October to participate in an upland game hunt sponsored by Adair�s Wilderness Lodge and New Brunswick�s Department of Natural Resources and Energy.

"I am delighted to make this announcement and I congratulate Matthew and Mr. Murphy on being selected for this wonderful opportunity to visit New Brunswick and learn about other hunting practices and traditions," said the minister.

Matthew was chosen out of more than 400 young people who participated in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course or sponsored youth events that focused on firearm and hunter safety training held between July 2005 and June 2006. The draw was made by New Brunswick�s exchange winner, 15-year-old Kristian Calder and his father Russell who visited Newfoundland and Labrador in July 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 all outdoor activities and their role in helping to conserve wildlife for the future," said Minister Jackman. "The volunteers and supporters are what make this program a success and I commend everyone for their involvement and support for this very important initiative. I wish Matthew and his father a very safe and successful hunting trip."

Sponsors for this year�s exchange program include the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, who are providing air travel to New Brunswick for Matthew and his father; Newfoundland Sportsman Magazine; Universal Helicopters Ltd.; Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Officers Association; St. John�s Rod and Gun Club; Complete Gun Repairs and Big Falls Tourist Lodge.

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

Photo #1: Matthew Murphy is this year's winner of the 2006 Atlantic Province�s Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program. Left to right, Francis McNeil (VP � St. John�s Rod and Gun Club) Brent Meade (Assistant Deputy Minister � Wildlife Division) Matthew Murphy, Bob Efford (Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association), Brian Murphy (Matthew�s father), Doug Kirby (Newfoundland and Labrador Sportsman�s Magazine).

Media contact: Diane Hart, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401

2006 08 25                                    9:30 a.m.