Date: 9/23/08
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR YOUTH UPLAND HUNT PHOTO CONTEST

With the youth upland game hunt season this Saturday and Sunday, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) reminds parents and mentors that while their kids hunt for chukar and quail, they should be hunting with their cameras for the perfect picture.

The right picture or words could win entrants their pick of a youth or adult model Beretta 3901 shotgun in the second annual Youth Upland Hunt Photo & Essay Contest sponsored by a multitude of sportsmen’s organizations in conjunction with NDOW. This year’s sponsors include the Carson Valley Chukar Club, the Reno, Midas and Fallon chapters of Nevada Bighorn’s Unlimited, Northern Nevada Chapter of Safari Club International, Nevada Chukar Foundation, Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, Nevada Muley’s, Cast and Blast Outdoors Club (UNR), the Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, and the Nevada Wildlife Federation.

“Last year we had a short time frame to get the hunt approved and the photo contest pulled together and we still received 140 entries,” said Jeremy Drew, President of the Northern Nevada Chapter of Safari Club International. “This year we were able to solicit much more support for the photo contest. At this point we have raised in excess of $16,000 for promotion of the hunt and prizes for the contest thanks to the generosity of the sponsor groups.”

Each photo entry must include at least one adult and one youth hunter 15-years-old or younger. The photos will be judged on safety, creativity, setting and effectiveness in capturing the youth experience. The essays are encouraged (220 words maximum), but will not be included in the photo scoring. Additional prizes will be awarded for the best stories. For more information and a contest entry form, visit www.ndow.org.

“The goal for the photo contest is to raise awareness of the youth upland hunt, and to encourage adults to serve as mentors and get youth into the field. Hunting and being outdoors is something that sells itself,” said Drew. “The focus really needs to be on getting youth out of their everyday routine and into experiencing what the outdoors has to offer.”

The statewide junior upland game season is set for September 27-28 and is open to hunters 15 years of age and younger. Youth must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. The season is open for chukar, Hungarian partridge, California, Gambel’s and scaled quail, and rabbit. An upland game stamp is required for anyone aged 12 or older to hunt upland game birds, except turkey and crow. The $10 stamp funds habitat work that benefits upland game species. A junior hunting license is required for those 12-15 years old.

“The best part of this youth hunt, is that it gives kids their weekend in the sun. They enjoy the fact that they're getting something in the mail box addressed to them for an outdoor event specifically for them. It also gives their mentors a chance to focus on teaching the kids safety, responsibility and ethical sportsmanship,” Drew adds. “I enjoy the mentoring aspect because it makes me feel like I'm a kid again. I would encourage anyone who hasn't taken part in this hunt to find a kid and get out there.”

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, 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.