DWR Press Release
Guided youth waterfowl hunt held the next day
Vernal – Young hunters can learn the basics of waterfowl and upland game hunting—and then apply the skills they learn the very next day—by attending a free clinic on Sept. 16.
The free Upland Game and Waterfowl Clinic will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Vernal Game Farm. The game farm is at 3116 S. 500 W. in Vernal.
Alex Hansen, regional wildlife recreation specialist for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says the clinic is free and is open to people of all ages. The waterfowl hunt—held the next day—is open only to those who were 17 years of age or younger on July 31 and who attended the Sept. 16 clinic.
Space to participate in the Sept. 17 hunt is limited. If you’re a young hunter, and you’d like to participate in the waterfowl hunt, you must contact Hansen to register. You can reach him at 435-823-0941 or 435-781-9453.
Sept. 16 clinic
“If you’d like to learn the basics of bird hunting, or add to the skills you already have, please join us on Sept. 16,” Hansen says. “There’s no age limit; the clinic is open to everyone.”
At the clinic, you’ll learn how to identify waterfowl and upland game species, place decoys, call ducks and geese, handle a hunting dog, and shoot a shotgun. Other fun events, such as shooting bows and arrows, will also be offered. Experienced hunters and DWR biologists will also be available to answer your questions about waterfowl and upland game hunting.
Certified and trained mentors will also be on hand to teach you how to shoot a shotgun from a special “waterfowl blind.” “We’ll launch the targets in a way that simulates the type of shots you’ll have while hunting ducks and geese,” Hansen says.
Sept. 17 hunt
The waterfowl hunt happens the next day, Sept. 17, at a location to be determined. During the hunt, experienced mentors will accompany the young hunters and introduce them to waterfowl hunting.
In addition to registering for the hunt, young hunters must have a small game or a combination license to participate. Those who are 16 and 17 years of age also need a federal duck stamp.
More information
The DWR, Ducks Unlimited, Gun Dog University, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Stewart’s Ace Hardware are sponsoring the clinic and the hunts. If you have questions about the events, call Hansen at 435-823-0941 or 435-781-9453.