By Bruce Urben, WWA President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s September, 2021 Newsletter edition.
There is no question that the average age of Wisconsin’s waterfowlers is pushing the early retirement age. We generally see that waterfowling families usually beget younger ‘fowlers as they come of age in the family. But, what about our youth and young adults that do not have family ties to mentor them into the waterfowling fold? Yes, there is one-on-one mentoring in Wisconsin and in some cases this can work well. Another alternative, however, is the formal Learn-to-Hunt (LTH) programs offered under the supervision of Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources(WDNR).
Ryan Dorak assists a youth at WWA Green Bay chapter’s 2009 Learn to Hunt program. The chapter will be hosting their 11th annual LTH this October!
2020 and the pandemic did not shut down the waterfowl hunting season, but it did shut down many of the hunter safety programs and all of the fall LTH programs in the state. WDNR tells us that 2020 brought many more people back to the outdoors, participating in an activity with limited risk of exposure to the pandemic’s direct contact issues.
The good news is that WDNR has given the “green light” for LTH programs in Wisconsin to proceed this fall.
WWA’s Green Bay Chapter was one of the first LTH waterfowl programs in the state, beginning over 11 years ago. This fall, Friday October 15th and Saturday October 16th, will be the 11th (almost) Annual Green Bay Chapter Learn to Hunt Waterfowl Program, which will be held near Pulaski, WI (about 1/2 hour north of Green Bay).
The program includes 3-4 hours of classroom and field shooting instruction on Friday night, a mentored waterfowl hunt early Saturday morning, followed by a picnic style lunch, awarding of certificates and demonstrations on duck/goose cleaning and proper after-the-hunt maintenance of your shotgun.
No hunter safety certificate is required, as an intense “safety training” component is included in the classroom portion. Firearms and ammo are provided unless you have your own firearm, along with some of the most experienced waterfowl mentors in the state. The prerequisite is that attendees have not previously hunted waterfowl (must be first time waterfowlers) and… the program is free of charge! There is, however, a requirement that youth attendees aged 16 or higher must purchase a Federal Waterfowl stamp, but all state license or stamp fees are waived.
If you are interested in attending, or know someone who is, you can contact me at burben@netnet.net or by phone at (920) 660-2773. We have several spots available at this time but I would not delay, as this program is filled each year.
Have a great Labor Day weekend and hope you have a successful early teal or goose hunt!