Salmon Region Hosts Mentored Youth Deer Hunt

For the third consecutive year, Idaho Fish and Game joined forces with local landowners to host the annual mentored youth deer hunt. The area's first mentored hunt in 2008 was a way to get youths involved in the outdoors and help control deer numbers. Only two children participated that year, but those involved realized the potential of expanding the successful program to many more deserving youths. "Each year the interest and popularity of the event has steadily grown. The Fish and Game department and many individuals and businesses in the community have worked hard to meet the demand," said Ryan Hilton, a conservation officer with Idaho Fish and Game. "In just three years we've gone from two hunters to 18. In addition, there has been a steady increase in girls participating. Of the 18 participants in 2010, 12 of them were 12- to 14-year-old girls that decided to give deer hunting a try." To identify youths interested in participating in the program, Fish and Game worked closely with several middle school teachers. Dick and Jean Hadlock and Russ Chinske circulated questionnaires and made phone calls to promote the program and locate deserving youth. Once the list was assembled, Dick Hadlock and Jim Toynbee taught a hunter education class to certify the 13 children that needed the class in order to hunt. "There are many individuals that deserve special thanks for their contributions, but Dick and Jean Hadlock were instrumental in making this year's program such a success," Hilton said. Landowners also continue to show their support, with Kevin Keller as the most recent to grant access to his ranch. In addition, Nikos and Val Monoyois of Eagle Valley Ranch, Paul and Dale Edwards, Kenny Rogers, and Ben Jones continue to show their support by allowing youths to hunt on their land. Each year several young hunters have not been able to afford the cost of licenses and tags or to pay for meat processing, but none have missed out. Local individuals and businesses have made donations to cover expenses. "Each year more and more people step forward and contribute financially. In 2010, contributions were received from Aaron and Tessa Gilpin, Dick and Jean Hadlock, Mike Kossler, Salmon School Superintendent Joey Foote, Shayne Hilton Plumbing, Pete's Custom Meats, Rocky Mountain Custom Pack, Formation Capital Corp., and Salmon Dental Center," Hilton said. Many others helped by mentoring the youths in the field. Jim Bockelman, Mark Oliverson, Dick Hadlock and Aaron Gilpin, as well as numerous Fish and Game employees, spent time teaching the young hunters about deer habits and habitat; taking safe, ethical and responsible shots; proper shot placement; field dressing techniques; and firearms safety. Dick Hadlock and Pete Hanson of Pete's Meats loaned firearms for the hunt and Paul Smith of Service Grocery sold a rifle and three shotguns to Fish and Game for exceptional prices. The guns were used for youth deer, pheasant and waterfowl hunts in Salmon. "So many people have stepped up to make this youth hunt successful. I can't thank them enough for their contributions, and I hope they realize how much fun these kids have and what a positive experience it is for them," Hilton said. "Our plan is to continue to provide this opportunity for the kids and would welcome any additional support." For questions about the hunt or to make donations please contact: Ryan Hilton, at Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 1336, Salmon, ID 83467 or at 208-756-2271.