3rd Annual Michigan Youth Hunt Contest

[jci63]

Prize update - Please visit our website. - http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/

[jci63]

Letters from past winners!

Youth hunt 2OO6

Hi my name is Eric my daughter got picked to do the youth hunt. I am replying to tell you that this was a hunt of a life time for myself and my daughter.I will start of by telling you she did not get a deer.That was the only bad part of the whole weekend. Iwill start of by telling you she had many chances to shoot from a large doe to a spike horn up to a good 6 point.She has spent many hours in the woods but when it came down to it buck fever was to great.She felt very bad that she let down everybody.I told her that she did not let anybody down it was just part of hunting. Dad felt really bad but did not tell her.The reason that she got buck fever is that she wanted it that much more then someone that would just shoot and have no emotion.Back to the hunt.When John called us my daughter was beside herself.The many phone calls from John and his friend Ernie(from Day in the swamp taxidermy)made Sarah that much more excited to get up ther and start hunting.We got up there early so Ernie invited use over. After ten minutes I felt like family.He set her up with one of his guns better suited for her and she fired of a few rounds.Then we went over to the place that she was going to hunt with that help of his neighbor Rich and saw 16 deer with one nice 6 point.That made her not sleep much.I want to say right now that the time that John, Erine and Rich had spent to setup scout and host myself and my daughter was more than most people would do for people they don't even know . I guess that it was for the love of hunting and getting others involved in it ( my daughter Sarah) .The youth hunt was what they had to offer and it was the time of our life. It was the best opportunity for a youth that you could ask for.The friendship that we made was hard to put in words. For people that up until that weekend we did not even know that would do so much for us and other youth hunters for the true love of hunting and friendship.I still am having a hard time expressing my thanks for everything that you did for us.I also thank Erines Wife for opening there home for Sarah and I along with filling our bellys with fine cooking.Just like Brittney the other youth hunter the guys took time dring the day to take Sarah fishing to catch some salmon.To watch my little daughter reel in those fish was nothing short of amazing.I could talk much more about everything they did for us but i dont have time to tell it. But what I would say to everyone that has a youth please think about involving your kids in hunting with this youth hunt it is a chance of a lifetime to hunt and make friends that live to hunt and share it with others. Thanks again!!!! We will never forget



(From, Brittneys dad)

Well first of all I would like to thank John for a great time! He is a great guide and a very caring person. My daughter had a great time as well. John was a heck of a guide and even took us fishing, letting Brittney land about 15- 20 salmons. Best of all was the preparation, scouting and the time he took to help guide her in taking down a nice 6pt buck. The look on her face after shooting that buck was out of this world.

I must be honest here..... I was skeptical about taking Brittney on this trip as I myself wondered, "why would these guys do this for these kids." I thought that there had to be a catch, so I asked John and Ernie from Day in the Swamp, why, why would you do this for these kids? They pointed out about how the sport is dying and how they want to pass the sport on to the next generation. They also pointed out how there are so many young kids that are sitting and wasting their lives playing video games because they never had the opportunity to go hunting. Ernie also explained as he held back tears, about how his father taught him to hunt and how he would like to give the same gift to others. He worded it best when he told a story of a Grandfather and grandson that he took on a hunt. He said after the young boy harvested a deer, the grandfathers head swelled with pride and the grandfather cried tears of joy. Ernie said at that point his own wife looked at him and whispered, " now I think I understand why you do this."

Well I can tell you that these guys have two of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. These two guys put the word sport in sportsman! These guys care about this sport and go out of their way to pass the hunting tradition on to the next generation. I am overwhelmed in knowing that there are guys out there that take this much pride in this sport!

While watching John fish, I noticed that most of the kids at the fishing hole knew and respected him. I also noticed that out of all the people fishing, John and the kids that knew him were about the only ones catching fish. My guess is that he probably taught most of them how to do it. I also noticed that most of the kids would release the fish, "above the dam"..to help the salmons trip upsteam easier...just as John would.
John, I have always taking all my girls hunting and fishing with me, but you my friend showed me a whole other side of hunting in a way that I never seen it before.......You have showed me that its not all about me...its about them!
God Bless!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/bdeer1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/bdeer4.jpg

[fbuckner]

This is no doubt one of the best ways to keep new hunters and give them something good clean fun to do.

[jci63]

Letters from past Winners

YOUTH HUNT 2007


From Sarah's Dad:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif My daughters first deer
First I want to thank John Ingersoll for putting on the 2nd annual michigan youth hunt.My daughter was picked for a free hunt in Petoskey.This was one of the best times we had .If you know of a youth that would like to hunt and has not gotten a deer plaese check out the other forum Michigan youngsters in the out-of-doors.2nd I would like to thank Ernie Brossau our guide owner of Daylight in the swamp taxidermy (in Petoskey ) who will be mounting my daughters deer head along with other gifts they received from the hunt.I can't say enough good about these people ( friends ) and how they treated my daughter and myself.Sarah my daughter got this 8 point 145lb field dressed buck saturday night.She was sitting on a hay bail looking south at 10 doe for about 1/2 hour and then from the east wood line came a small doe running right at here. It scared her for a minute then four bucks came in behind her 2 spikes 1 four and this 8 point buck.She moved all the way to the left shook for a few minutes ( that felt like hours ) and shot a 100 yards.This is what she found 50 yards away.Thanks again to John and Ernie for helping out the youth hunters.Please check out the other forum for information of the hunt and the gifts that we got plus the free hunt some other lucky youth hunter could win.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/521/Copy_of_Copy_of_Youth_hunt_2030.jpg

Letter from Keith:

First, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to go hunting. The Youth Hunt was one of the best experiences I've ever had! I didn't have the equipment, know-how, location or the people to hunt with. Therefore, without you I would've never had the chance to experience something so incredible. I learned so much and had so much fun!
When I was sitting in the blind and saw that HUGE 5 point buck come out of the woods, my stomach dropped and I couldn't breathe! I was so excited and John was telling me I only had about ten seconds to take the shot. I didn't have a clear shot because the deer kept moving, and going behind trees. Finally, the deer was in a good position and I had my chance. It was the perfect shot, and with John's coaching, I took it! I hit the deer at about 100 yards and it ran right into the open field and stopped. When we got to the deer it was an enormous 5 point buck! This had to be the most exciting moment ever! After my great experience getting my first deer, we drove over to the fishin' hole in town with the deer tied to the top of our car! I was so proud.
The salmon fishing was a lot of fun! John taught me the art of salmon fishing, and I was getting good by the end of the weekend.
Ernie and John were both very welcoming to my family and I. Ernie was also very nice about letting us look around his taxidermy shop, which was really interesting. He has worked on so many different kinds of animals. That was an experience I would never get at home!
I can never thank both of you enough. I'm not done hunting - this was only the beginning! I will remember the Youth Hunt weekend for the rest of my life! Someday, I hope I can help someone the way you helped me.

Sincerely,
Keith


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/IMG_6491.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/IMG_6451.jpg

[msbcomputer]

I have been telling my step son about this for a couple months and he seems excited about this but I have a couple of questions. First, when do the essays need to be submitted by? When is the drawing date?
The last question is about taking the hunters safety class which (at our club) isn't until april. He really wants to enter this year and hopes of being choosen but will not have the safety class done for a few months. What would you suggest?
Thanks.

[jci63]

Winners are announced September 1st, 2008.

The deadline for the contest is August 31, 2008.

Good Luck!

[Barrettone]

Your son may still hunt BEFORE he has taken his class under the new "Mentoring Program" initiated by the DNR two years ago. He must take the class the following year, but can hunt with a LICENSED ADULT until he takes the class, and can purchase a license. Go to the Michigan DNR page and look under "Hunter Education" for details. Additionally, he may take an online prequalification test, and if he can pass that, he can then just take the practical portion and written test with any certified hunter safety instructor to obtain his credentials. Call me if I can be of further assistrance. We want to see your boy out there hunting!!!

[jci63]

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_46403-151307--,00.html

Hunter Education Helps Youngsters Learn the Rules of Firearm Safety

August 31, 2006
When the new law lowering the minimum age for hunting went into effect in mid-July, Sgt. Kevin Davis' phone started ringing -- and it hasn't stopped.

Sgt. Davis is the field coordinator for the hunter education section in the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.

"About half the calls were from parents wanting to know where their kids could sign up for a hunter safety course, and the other half were from our volunteer instructors who were calling to tell me registrations for their classes were up," Davis said.

In Michigan, more than 30,000 people take the hunter education classes every year, learning safe handling of firearms and archery equipment, basics of wildlife management and hunter ethics during the two-day program.

Hunter education has been mandatory for all first-time hunters born after Jan. 1, 1960, and although kids of any age could have attended hunter education classes in the past, Davis said hunter education was "something you did when you turned 12."

"This year, we may see the normal 30,000 or so 12-year-olds," Davis said, "plus even more numbers of 10- and 11-year-olds."

The new law lowered the age for hunting deer, bear and elk with a firearm on private land from age 14 to 12, and lowered the age of hunting other game from 12 to 10.

Another law, which took effect at the same time, established a hunter apprentice program that allows apprentice hunters to hunt without the required hunter education course if accompanied and closely monitored by a licensed hunter 21 and older who is mentoring them in the sport.

"Experience in other states with young hunters shows that the presence of a responsible, attentive adult is a major safety factor," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "These new laws let parents determine whether or not their children are ready to hunt. Parents heavily involved with their children's hunting experience will provide for a safe, responsible hunting experience."

In fact, according to the International Hunter Education Association, young hunters, when accompanied by responsible adults or mentors, who have been a part of the youngster's education, are some of the safest individuals afield.

In Michigan, hunter education is made possible through a unique partnership between more than 2,000 volunteer instructors and the DNR. These volunteers dedicate more than 30,000 hours each year to share their love of Michigan's natural resources and the sport of hunting. The volunteers are directed and supported in their efforts by local DNR conservation officers.

Hunter education courses are offered year-round throughout the state though the majority occurs during August, September and October. The typical course consists of two sessions with a total class time of 10 to 12 hours. Students also can use the Internet to complete a part of their hunter education course. The online course can be found on the DNR's hunter education Web page at www.michigan.gov.dnr.

Hunter education courses teach new hunters responsibility, ethics, firearm safety, wildlife conservation and wildlife identification, game care, survival and first aid.

"Hunter safety is our number-one priority, but we also stress ethical behavior in hunting," Davis said. "We hope the safety awareness and skills learned in these classes will be used throughout the student's life and be passed on to the next generation of sportsmen and sportswomen."

Michigan has a long, rich tradition of hunting. In Michigan, hunting contributes to wildlife management and conservation, provides a positive family experience and increased recreational opportunity, and is good for the economy.

If our young people can learn to be responsible hunters, negative public attitudes toward hunting that grew from past mistakes may change and private lands now open to hunting may remain open. It is the careful and courteous hunter who is helping preserve our hunting heritage for future generations.

"Safe hunting begins with hunter education and adult supervision or mentoring," said Alan Marble, chief of the Law Enforcement Division. "The credit for Michigan's outstanding safety record belongs to our volunteer instructors and conservation officers, and to the hunters and legislators who support our safety regulations."

Michigan's hunting incident rate is currently one-half the national rate. Because even one incident is too many, the DNR is committed to improving its hunter education program to make Michigan an even safer place to hunt and enjoy our great outdoors.

To locate an upcoming hunter education class in your area, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on Recreational Safety Classes in the "Quick Links" box. Classes usually are free, but nominal fees may be charged to cover the instructor's out-of-pocket expenses.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10363_39267-143673--,00.html

Course Options

Traditional Classroom
The typical hunter education course is a minimum of 10 hours, classroom and field work. Hunter education classes are typically held in outdoor clubs, schools, police stations, and camps. The curriculum includes training in firearms safety, basic archery safety, hunting ethics, wildlife management, conservation, survival, regulations and a final written exam. The cost of the course could be up to $10.00 to cover field supplies. The instructor will tell you the cost when you register for the course. Search for a Hunter Education class in your area.

Home Study

Students that opt to take the home study hunter education course must register for a field day class BEFORE taking either home study course.

Online class costs $15.00, which covers the cost of maintaining the online course. The payment is made directly to the online publisher. The required field day cost* could be up to $10.00. Ask the instructor when you register, BEFORE taking the online course. Search for a class in your area and arrange your field day with the instructor.

Workbook home study may be available in your area. Search for a class in your area and arrange your field day with the instructor. The instructor will let you know if the workbook home study is available. The required field day cost* could be up to $10.00. Search for a class in your area and arrange your field day with the instructor.

*Field day costs cover the cost of supplies the instructor incurs for teaching the class. This fee is paid directly to the volunteer instructor.

[fbuckner]

If appropriate time is givin I will schedual any needed field time for any young person. All I ask is that the paperwork showing the completion of the online course has been done.

[jci63]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION - WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are trying to expand this program statewide, with a represenative in all 83 counties.


If your Sportsman’s Club, Gun Club or Organization is not listed and would like to sponsor a youth hunt for the 2008 season, or if you would like to make a donation to the program. Please contact me at michiganyouthhunt@yahoo.com

Availible Hunts

Hunt Number – 024YDH
County – CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – Ernie Brosseau / Daylight in the Swamp Taxidermy 231-347-9789

Hunt Number – 015YDH
County – EMMET COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – John Ingersoll / John’s Mobile Marine Service 231-330-0887


Hunt Number – 047YDH
County – LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – Livingston Gun Club 517-404-1908 (Jeff LaFave)


Hunt Number – 066-131YDH1
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)


Hunt Number – 066-131YDH2
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)


Hunt Number – 066-131YBH
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Bear Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)
******special note*********
1) The license application dates are May 1 - June 1 thru the MDNR and is done on a point system.
2) Applicants must apply for Baraga or Amasa Units
3) Anyone who applies for this hunt number will be contacted to see if they obtained a license before the winner is announced.

[jci63]

The Youth Hunt Program has been a rewarding experience for both myself and Ernie. Being able to give back just a little something to our sport is a honor. We had a great time with the kids and felt extremely blessed to be apart of something so special.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/IMG_6502.jpg

[jci63]

oops

[jci63]

In 2007 I also took another youth, Joshua on his first deer hunt. The second day of the Michigan Youth Hunt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/2007YouthHUnt.jpg

I did the same in 2006 and took ryan on his Youth Hunt on the Second and final day of the season.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/ryan.jpg

[jci63]

We now have a website.

http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/

[fbuckner]

Man i want to come up for the fishing it looked like a good time

[jci63]

Prize update - Please visit our website. - http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/