Youth Waterfowl Hunts Planned in the Panhandle Region

Idaho Fish & Game has scheduled three mentored waterfowl hunts in the Panhandle Region for youths 15 and under. The hunts are planned for September 25, the opening day of the annual youth-only waterfowl season - open only to hunters 15 and under. The mentored hunting clinics will be at Boundary Creek Wildlife Management Area, Heyburn State Park and the Clark Fork River delta. Participation will be by advanced reservation and space is limited. Anyone interested should call to reserve a spot at one of the three clinics and to obtain additional details. For the Boundary Creek and Heyburn hunts, contact Bryan Helmich at 769-1414. For the Clark Fork hunt contact Ray Millard at 264-5252. Registrations will be accepted until the clinics are full. Young hunters will need to be accompanied by a non-hunting adult parent or guardian (aged 18 or older) and bring a shotgun and ammunition. Young hunters will also need to secure a youth or small game license ($7.25) with a federal migratory bird permit ($1.75) prior to the event. An optional free range day will be established to help those young hunters wishing to hone their wing shooting skills prior to the event. Youth participants and a guardian will have the opportunity to spend a morning hunting with an experienced waterfowl hunter. Following a morning hunt, all will be treated to a free barbeque and waterfowl hunting skills clinic. The idea is to expose youth to a quality hunting experience and provide their guardian with enough training to repeat the experience independently. Idaho Fish and Game is also soliciting experienced waterfowl hunters willing to assist with the clinics. If you want to help pass on the tradition of waterfowl hunting, please call either of the numbers listed above.