PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, will offer a youth waterfowl training workshop from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 20 at the Division's Great Swamp Field Headquarters in West Kingston. The workshop will provide an overview of rules and regulations, firearm safety, waterfowl identification, hunting with dogs, and the proper gear, equipment and clothing needed for waterfowl hunting.
"DEM is pleased to partner with Ducks Unlimited to offer this educational and fun-filled program," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Sunday's training workshop and the mentored hunt promise to be a great way for participants to learn about the sport of waterfowl hunting and enjoy the outdoors with family."
The workshop is open to all youths ages 12 to 15 that have completed a hunter education course and their guardians. Preregistration is required by Friday, September 18.
Participants will have an opportunity to shoot clay targets at the Great Swamp Shooting Range during the second half of the workshop. Clay targets, safety gear and 12 and 20-gauge ammunition will be provided by the Division's Hunter Education program. Participants may bring their own 12 or their own 20-gauge shotgun to the program or use one provided by the Division. The Federated Rhode Island Sportsman Club will provide food and beverages to participants at the end of the workshop.
Participants in the September 20 training workshop will be eligible to participate in a Mentored Youth Waterfowl Hunt that will take place on Saturday, October 24. During the mentored hunt, which is jointly sponsored by DEM and Ducks Unlimited, a volunteer from Ducks Unlimited will be paired with a youth and their parent or guardian for an exciting morning afield hunting ducks and/or geese. The mentored hunt can accommodate a limited number of participants, and pre-registration, along with a current RI hunting license and Harvest Information Program permit is required.
Youth waterfowl hunting days are October 24 and 25 and provide an opportunity for youth hunters age 12 to 15 to hunt ducks and geese. Youth hunters are required to possess a current Rhode Island hunting license and HIP permit. Parents or guardians assisting youths are prohibited from possessing a firearm and hunting during the youth waterfowl hunting days.
To register or for additional information about the youth waterfowl workshop and mentored hunt, call Josh Beuth at the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401)789-0281 or contact him via email to Joshua.beuth@dem.ri.gov.