For the third season in a row BHA’s New England Chapter is sponsoring this year’s Rhode Island youth waterfowl training & mentored hunt, organized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Fish & Wildlife Division. Like prior years, the 2023 program will include a pre-hunt waterfowl hunting workshop & shooting range day on Sunday, October 15th followed by a mentored hunt during RI’s youth waterfowl weekend on Saturday, October 28th.
“DEM's mentored hunting opportunities, like our Youth Waterfowl Hunt, strive to provide positive hunting experiences for youth while teaching them and their families the importance of sustainability, firearm safety, conservation, and outdoor ethics” said DEM supervising biologist Emily George, who leads the Fish & Wildlife Division’s wildlife outreach & education efforts. “Our organizational partnerships and community connections are the drivers of these programs, bringing their expertise, knowledge, and passion to the table. “
“BHA’s New England Chapter is excited to continue our support of DEM’s youth mentored waterfowl hunt” said New England Chapter Chair Michael Woods of Saunderstown, RI. “Over the past several years we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that DEM’s youth mentored hunting programs have on participants and their families, and helping to get the next generation started fits squarely within BHA’s mission of ensuring North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing.”
To be eligible for 2023 youth mentored waterfowl hunt participants must be between 12 and 15 years of age on October 28th, 2023. Participants will be selected through a lottery, and interested youth should apply through DEM’s form before August 25th, 2023. Those who are accepted will need to obtain a RI hunting license and HIP permit prior to the day of the hunt.
About Chris Borgatti
BHA Eastern Policy & Conservation Manager