CLUBS--START PLANNING NOW TO OFFER A YOUNG ADULT PHEASANT HUNT IN FALL
 

This year, sporting clubs that want to pass on the traditions of hunting and the great outdoors to interested young people should consider the Massachusetts Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program. “The Massachusetts Young Adult Pheasant Program was developed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in 2005 and designed to be implement by local Sportsmen’s Clubs said Dr. Mark Tisa, Program Coordinator. “The program provides 12-17 year old hunter education graduates interested in hunting an opportunity to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt with a safe, responsible experienced hunter.”  Requests for pheasants, safety gear, and education materials must be received by MassWildlife no later than June 15^th.   Request forms are available in the 2006 Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide that has been posted in the Education area of MassWildlife’s website www.mass.gov/masswildlife. 

 Tisa noted that in 2005, five clubs participated in the Program’s inaugural year, hosting over 25 young adult hunters for this program. The Young Adult Pheasant Hunt is more than just a day in the field. It is a three-part recreational program that includes shooting instruction and practice, a pre-hunt workshop covering firearms safety in the field, and finally, a day of pheasant hunting.  Hunter safety is emphasized in all aspects of the program to help build the confidence of young adult hunters. Young people ages 12 - 17 that successfully complete the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program are eligible to participate in the program.

MassWildlife provides the pheasants for the program, a comprehensive program planning guide to assistant clubs in organizing the program, technical assistance to support the clubs, educational materials for the pre-hunt workshop, and all the safety equipment for the participants including orange vests, caps, shooting glasses and hearing protection.  Club officers interested in learning more about the program can visit the MassWildlife website for more program details, download the 2006 Planning Guide, and see which clubs offered the program last year.  For more information, clubs can also contact their MassWildlife District office or call Dr. Mark Tisa at 508/792-7270.