HUNTMASTER GRAND JUNCTION – INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF HUNTERS
HUNTMASTER GRAND JUNCTION – INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF HUNTERS
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is offering a two-day Huntmaster training course to certify volunteers for the Hunter Outreach Program. The Huntmaster training will be held Saturday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 15 in Grand Junction. Huntmaster training covers planning of hunts, safety and organization protocols for DOW-sponsored hunts.
The deadline to register for the course is Aug. 9. Applications are available on line at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/HunterOutreach/VolunteersAndHuntmasters/. For answers to questions, contact Jim Bulger, DOW Hunter Outreach Coordinator at (303) 291-7248.
The DOW Hunter Outreach Program teaches novice and inexperienced hunters of all ages the knowledge, skills, ethics, and traditions of hunting. Through workshops and clinics, seminars, group and ‘mentored’ hunts, the program appeals to diverse interests, backgrounds, and levels of ability.
Dedicated western Colorado sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization are searching for ways to increase hunting opportunities and recruitment of youth and novice hunters. As a group, sportsmen can make a positive difference in stemming the national decline in the number of hunters by taking an active role in teaching, coaching and mentoring hunters in partnership with the DOW.
“The Outreach Program has been increasing in size and scope since its inception in 2002," said Bulger. "The desire to learn about hunting skills and our hunting heritage continues to grow and we need to add new volunteers to meet the growing needs of the program."
Last year in northwest Colorado, the DOW offered hunting programs for hundreds of youth, women and families who had not had the opportunity to hunt in the past or have limited hunting experience. Volunteer assistance was critical for those offerings but to expand the number and quality of the hunts more volunteers are needed.
“Each year we have many more applicants than we can support with hunts through the program,” explained Kathleen Tadvick, DOW education coordinator in northwest Colorado. “Now, the Outreach Program needs the community to join us in this partnership by becoming a Huntmaster and building a strong corps of dedicated volunteers to extend our hunting heritage to future generations.”
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
