Launch of new waterfowl hunter recruitment program receives thumbs up from DUC
Oak Hammock Marsh, MB – Delta Waterfowl’s recent launch of its First Hunt program is an excellent step in the right direction, according to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
“Waterfowl hunters are among the most passionate and dedicated conservationists in the world,” says Jeff Nelson, CEO of DUC. “New initiatives that work towards increasing the number of responsible people taking part in waterfowling bode well for the future of the resource. History has shown that many waterfowlers are bonded by their conservation ethic and their actions to give back to habitat conservation programs needed to ensure the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.”
Many of the philosophies, educational tools and aspects of Delta Waterfowl’s First Hunt Program complement and align with DUC’s waterfowling heritage programs. Like Delta Waterfowl, DUC is active in delivering a mentored hunt program and first hired a Mentored Hunt co-ordinator in 2007. Last year, DUC was part of many partnerships in delivering 37 waterfowling heritage events across Canada that involved an estimated 1,180 people. Of these an estimated 500 apprentices got out on a waterfowl hunt. When combined with the efforts of other like-minded groups, good progress is being made to assure the future of waterfowling in Canada.
“We signed a national Memorandum of Understanding with Delta Waterfowl in May 2009 that outlines how DUC and Delta Waterfowl will work together to promote mentored hunting in Canada,” says Rick Wishart, DUC’s director of education. “We are pleased that our working relationship is mutually beneficial and helping to serve the needs of new hunters. Delta’s First Hunt Program will provide added momentum and an even greater opportunity for collaboration to increase participation by apprentice hunters in mentored hunts. We wholeheartedly agree with that direction and look forward to working with partners across Canada, including Delta Waterfowl, to give first-time hunters an opportunity to learn, take part and help ensure the future of waterfowling in this country.”
For more information, contact:
Amy Doerksen
National Manager, Communications and Marketing
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Stonewall, Manitoba
Ph: 204 467-3258
Toll free: 1-800-665-DUCK (3825)
Email: a_doerksen@ducks.ca
