DWR Press Release
If you’d like to take up bird hunting, but you don’t feel you have the confidence and knowledge you need to give it a try, the Division of Wildlife Resources has the answer: a series of free bird hunting events.
The DWR will hold the free events across Utah over the next few weeks and the events aren’t just for beginners. Veteran hunters can learn some things too.
The events begin with a Bird Hunting for Beginners clinic. The clinic will be held Aug. 28 in Logan.
Bird Hunting for Beginners
The Aug. 28 event will be held at the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range, 2851 W. 200 N. (Valley View Highway), just west of Logan.
The free event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. If you attend and you have a shotgun and some target loads, bring them with you. During the event, you can shoot on the facility’s shotgun shooting ranges for a discounted rate of $3.75 per round. (A round is 25 shots.)
Phil Douglass, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR, said the Bird Hunting for Beginners event will allow new hunters to learn about bird hunting from a variety of experts. “With the bird hunting seasons right around the corner, this is the perfect time to hold the event,” he said.
Presenters at the event include Ernie Perkins and Alan Smith from the Utah Chukar Foundation and Brett Wonnacott, four-time Utah Duck Calling Champion. Wonnacott will represent Utah at the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas this year.
In addition to being excellent hunters, the presenters are excellent dog handlers. They’ll share dog-training tips with you.
“It’s all part of giving back,” Wonnacott said of his desire to help hunters. “I’m happy to share tips with new hunters that will help them and their dogs have a good experience in the field.”
In addition to sharing information about duck and goose hunting, Wonnacott has some forest grouse and dove hunting tips he’ll share.
Speaking of forest grouse, Dr. Dave Dahlgren from Utah State University will be on hand to share information about forest grouse habitats and forest grouse research the university is doing.
Two additional presenters, Perkins and Smith, are active, passionate participants in wildlife conservation and hunting initiatives. They’ll share tips that will help you bag chukar partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and sage grouse.
If you have questions about the event, call Jodie Anderson with the DWR at (801) 791-8589.