Youth Hunting Memories Contest Reminder

Note from Eric: One of the measures of a hunt is the story. The better the story the more memorable and successful the hunt. For ethical decision making asking yourself if you would proudly tell the story to your mother or your kids (not to mention the game warden) can help folks make the right decision. Here is a great opportunity for our young hunters to tell their story...

VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: December 3, 2009
Media Contacts: VT F&W – Chris Saunders or Mark Scott, 802-241-3700

Youth Hunting Memories Contest Reminder

WATERBURY, VT -- The Vermont Big Game Trophy Club and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department remind youth hunters they are still seeking submissions for the third annual Youth Hunting Memories Contest.

Vermont is encouraging young hunters to submit a short essay and photo, if available, describing one of their hunting experiences from this year. Criteria that will be judged include: ethics, landowner relations, appreciation of wildlife, respect for our hunting heritage, and family values. The top entry from each county will win a special prize from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

“With kids just coming off a very successful youth deer hunting weekend in Vermont, now would be the time for them to jot their story down and send it in to us,” said Mark Scott of the Fish and Wildlife Department. “Kids should be reminded to send in any hunting story, whether it’s about going out looking for deer or sitting in a duck hunting blind. Some of the best stories we received in the past came from youngsters who wrote more about their experiences with their family than shooting any game.”

The Fish and Wildlife Department will be assisted by members of the Vermont Big Game Trophy Club and the University of Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports program in selecting the winners. Winners will be announced at the Yankee Sportsman Classic on January 16, in Essex.

Submissions will not be returned. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Vermont Big Game Trophy Club reserve the right to publish photos and essays, and omit submissions that might be offensive due to excessive amounts of blood or damage to the animal being photographed. Submissions must include the hunter’s first and last names, address, age, telephone number, and location of hunt.

The contest is open to Vermont hunters 16 and younger. Submissions must be received by 4:30 p.m. on December 30, 2009.

Email submissions to Ann.Shangraw@state.vt.us or mail to:

2009 Youth Hunting Memories Contest, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-0501.