Demo Days give young hunters the chance to try firearms, archery equipment on for size

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17, 2013

 

Contact: Mary Benson, 517-335-2748 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014


Demonstration Days at DNR shooting ranges give young hunters the chance to try firearms, archery equipment on for size

 

The Department of Natural Resources offers Demonstration Days for mentored youth hunters at its Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake and Sharonville shooting ranges in August.

 

Mentored youth hunting regulations require that hunting devices are properly fitted and appropriately suited to the youth hunter. The Demonstration Days events will give young hunters a chance to try a variety of firearms – rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders – archery equipment and crossbows with help from range officers and hunter education instructors; meet with conservation officers about what to expect while in the field; and try out the DNR’s hunting simulator. Participating partners also include the National Wild Turkey Federation with its JAKES trailer and Pheasants Forever.

 

Mentored youth hunters and other young people interested in hunting are invited to stop by between 4 and 8 p.m. on the following days:

 

• Aug. 6 at Pontiac Lake Shooting Range (Oakland County)
  located within the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
  7800 Gale Road, Waterford
  (Recreation Passport required for entry)
   
• Aug. 7 at Ortonville Shooting Range (Lapeer County)
  located within the Ortonville Recreation Area
  5380 Sawmill Lake Road, Ortonville
  (Recreation Passport required for entry)
   
• Aug. 13 at Sharonville Shooting Range (Jackson County)
  located within the Sharonville State Game Area
  14520 Sharon Valley Road, Grass Lake
   
• Aug. 14 at Rose Lake Shooting Range (Clinton County)
  located within the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area
  14500 Peacock Road, Bath 
   

Participants will get a free hat and a bag full of helpful resources for new hunters. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, and attendees should not bring their own. Attendees should bring their own eye and ear protection. Registration is not required.

 

“If kids are using a firearm, bow or crossbow that's suited and fitted for them, then their first hunting experiences will be more successful and they’ll be more likely to continue hunting,” said Dennis Fox, DNR Recruitment and Retention manager. “Ensuring that young hunters have a safe and enjoyable time in the field is one way we can help pass Michigan’s hunting tradition on to the next generation.”

 

This project is supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Range Partnership Grant Program.

 

The Mentored Youth Hunting program is designed to introduce youth under the age of 10 to hunting and fishing, offering a "package" license for just $7.50. For one low price, youth hunters under the age of 10 can hunt turkey (spring and fall, any hunt period/location, on private or public land), deer (two tags, any deer) and small game, trap furbearers and fish for all species. By eliminating the minimum hunting age in Michigan, the program is geared toward parents and other adult mentors who want to teach children how to hunt and fish, allowing them to determine if and when their child is ready to hunt. To learn more about the Mentored Youth Hunting program, visit www.michigan.gov/mentoredhunting.

 

More information about the DNR’s shooting ranges is available at www.michigan.gov/shootingranges.

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