DWR to Host Free Waterfowl Hunting Clinic Sept. 6

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Press Release

On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Ducks Unlimited will sponsor a free waterfowl hunting clinic at the Desert Lake Waterfowl Management Area near Elmo. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“We hope this will be the first of many such events,” stated Ducks Unlimited chapter chairman Casey Olsen. “We want this to be something youth and adults will look forward to from one year to the next. We’re calling it the Youth Waterfowl Rodeo. There will be seven different stations of fun, action and excitement and it will all take place at Desert Lake, which is east of Elmo in Emery County.”

DWR regional conservation outreach manager Brent Stettler said that if you attend the clinic, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get started in waterfowl hunting. “Even experienced hunters should learn a thing or two,” Stettler said.

At the seminar, you’ll learn how to call ducks and geese and place decoys for a variety of hunting conditions. Participants will also learn which firearms and ammunition are best for waterfowl hunting. Proper shooting techniques, which will increase the chance that you bag birds, will also be taught.

“You can also watch trained retrieving dogs in action,” Stettler explained. “Plenty of door prizes, specifically tailored to waterfowl hunters, will also be given away.”

If you already know how to call ducks, Stettler says the clinic includes a duck calling contest.

There will be a station where youth will have the opportunity to shoot clay pigeons from a duck blind. The clay birds will be launched from angles to simulate actual hunting conditions.

To get to Desert Lake from Price, travel south on state Highway 10. Turn left at the Cleveland turn-off and follow the yellow signs. From Huntington or Castle Dale, drive north on Highway 10. Turn right at the Cleveland turnoff and follow the bright yellow signs.

For more information about the free clinic or how to get to Desert Lake, call the DWR’s Southeastern Region office at (435) 613-3700.