Youths can hunt big game thanks to special program
By Charlie Meyers, Denver Post Sports Writer
Oh, to be a kid again.
Or, to be more specific, a kid who aspires to be a Colorado big game hunter. Certainly this writer never had it so good in his introduction to hunting. But, then, maybe nobody else did, either.
The object of envy is the opportunity to participate in the hunting experience of a lifetime through an ambitious program conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Young hunters ages 12-17 who make the grade through a special application process will relish not only the amenities of a guided hunt in prime deer and elk country, but also receive an education in tactics and ethics that money can't buy.
Thing is, all this comes for free to the 20 or so kids who meet the requirements of the Youth Big Game Hunting Program. That's the part that requires some effort.
Jim Bulger, the spit-shine-and-polish former military man who coordinates DOW's hunter outreach program, won't allow any slackers in his tent. Participants must have a valid hunter education certification and also complete a special qualifying exam.
"Everything is tied to education," Bulger said. "If kids want to take part in a unique and rewarding program, they'll have to do a little legwork."
The first requirement is an essay, no more than two pages, describing how wildlife belongs to all Americans and how our hunting tradition enhances that idea. Then there's a shooting skills requirement for placing shots inside an 8-inch circle.
Both must be filed as a package with an entry form no later than Aug. 22. To receive an application packet by mail, a young hunter must submit a request to the DOW by Aug. 1.
Youths who submit the two best essays receive a spot in hunts that occur on private property that is enrolled in the DOW's Ranching for Wildlife program. Other qualifiers will enter a random drawing for the remaining places.
While first-time applicants are given preference, previous participants also may enter, as can qualified nonresidents.
Bulger, who approaches his youth education task with the enthusiasm of a tank assault, isn't sure exactly how many kids this year's program can absorb - only that it will be more than last and as many as traffic can bear.
"There's a limit to how many people we can feed and sleep," Bulger said of an undertaking that requires a parent or legal guardian accompany each youth, along with an assortment of guides and wardens who will aid in the hunt.
Participating ranches not only will contribute a prime hunting opportunity, but also provide support personnel full-scale guide tents.
"Kids will get the whole outfitting experience," Bulger promised.
Upon arrival, participants again will gain experience in shooting, along with skills in setting up camp and food preparation. Separate hunts will be arranged in September, October and either November or December, depending upon availability. All the elk hunts will be for cows; some buck deer opportunity may be available.
These special hunts are an extension of a greater DOW thrust toward encouraging youth involvement in big game hunting aimed at perpetuating the sport. DOW reserves 15 percent of all limited and specified licenses in each game management unit for kids in a drawing conducted each spring. These tags cost $10, a fraction of the adult fee.
To obtain an application for the youth program, write Hunter Outreach Coordinator, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver 80216, or send an e-mail to [email protected], including name, address, age, home phone number and hunter education number.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~110~1499893,00.html
Oak
By Charlie Meyers, Denver Post Sports Writer
Oh, to be a kid again.
Or, to be more specific, a kid who aspires to be a Colorado big game hunter. Certainly this writer never had it so good in his introduction to hunting. But, then, maybe nobody else did, either.
The object of envy is the opportunity to participate in the hunting experience of a lifetime through an ambitious program conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Young hunters ages 12-17 who make the grade through a special application process will relish not only the amenities of a guided hunt in prime deer and elk country, but also receive an education in tactics and ethics that money can't buy.
Thing is, all this comes for free to the 20 or so kids who meet the requirements of the Youth Big Game Hunting Program. That's the part that requires some effort.
Jim Bulger, the spit-shine-and-polish former military man who coordinates DOW's hunter outreach program, won't allow any slackers in his tent. Participants must have a valid hunter education certification and also complete a special qualifying exam.
"Everything is tied to education," Bulger said. "If kids want to take part in a unique and rewarding program, they'll have to do a little legwork."
The first requirement is an essay, no more than two pages, describing how wildlife belongs to all Americans and how our hunting tradition enhances that idea. Then there's a shooting skills requirement for placing shots inside an 8-inch circle.
Both must be filed as a package with an entry form no later than Aug. 22. To receive an application packet by mail, a young hunter must submit a request to the DOW by Aug. 1.
Youths who submit the two best essays receive a spot in hunts that occur on private property that is enrolled in the DOW's Ranching for Wildlife program. Other qualifiers will enter a random drawing for the remaining places.
While first-time applicants are given preference, previous participants also may enter, as can qualified nonresidents.
Bulger, who approaches his youth education task with the enthusiasm of a tank assault, isn't sure exactly how many kids this year's program can absorb - only that it will be more than last and as many as traffic can bear.
"There's a limit to how many people we can feed and sleep," Bulger said of an undertaking that requires a parent or legal guardian accompany each youth, along with an assortment of guides and wardens who will aid in the hunt.
Participating ranches not only will contribute a prime hunting opportunity, but also provide support personnel full-scale guide tents.
"Kids will get the whole outfitting experience," Bulger promised.
Upon arrival, participants again will gain experience in shooting, along with skills in setting up camp and food preparation. Separate hunts will be arranged in September, October and either November or December, depending upon availability. All the elk hunts will be for cows; some buck deer opportunity may be available.
These special hunts are an extension of a greater DOW thrust toward encouraging youth involvement in big game hunting aimed at perpetuating the sport. DOW reserves 15 percent of all limited and specified licenses in each game management unit for kids in a drawing conducted each spring. These tags cost $10, a fraction of the adult fee.
To obtain an application for the youth program, write Hunter Outreach Coordinator, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver 80216, or send an e-mail to [email protected], including name, address, age, home phone number and hunter education number.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~110~1499893,00.html
Oak
