10/10/2007
 

YOUTH DUCK-HUNTERS-TO-BE LEARN ABOUT CONSERVATION

Young duck-hunters-to-be met together recently at a Greenwing event sponsored by the Southern Nevada Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Greenwings are the junior members of the DU conservation organization. Participants attended conservation workshops and training sessions but also had the opportunity to shoot air guns or shotguns.

Approximately 30 youth and their parents participated in the event, which was held Oct. 6 at the Desert Lake Shooting Club in Boulder City. Workshops covered such topics as waterfowl identification and calling ducks. Members of the DU organization believe that by learning more about the outdoor heritage and ethics the youthful Greenwings will become the next generation of wetlands conservationists and duck hunters.

“This event was a tremendous opportunity for us to teach the kids about waterfowl conservation and more about the various waterfowl species they will be helping through conservation programs like those sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, “ said Margie Klein, a wildlife educator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and presenter at the event. “Both the parents and their children quickly learned the steps to identifying ducks while in the field.”

The Greenwings are currently planning to build waterfowl nesting boxes and complete a habitat improvement project at the NDOW Overton Wildlife Management Area in Moapa Valley.
People don’t always equate Southern Nevada with waterfowl, but there are a variety of species that can be seen here, Cris Tomlinson, a supervising biologist for NDOW, said. “The ducks that can be seen in Southern Nevada include mallards, pintails, wigeons, canvasbacks and ruddy ducks.”

For more information about Ducks Unlimited and Greenwings call Todd Pesavento at 702-838-2204.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.