GETTING the youth of this country turned on to hunting is the goal of a number of organizations that have created a campaign called “Start ‘Em Young.”
The majority of states permit youth hunting, but 23 states restrict the age a person can hunt big game, something the new campaign will try to change by working with leaders in these states to lift limits on youth hunting opportunities.
“Start ‘Em Young” is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
“Introducing our children to hunting is important for several reasons,” said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. “First, hunting allows families to spend time outdoors and share quality time together. Second, research shows that those who start hunting early in life are more likely to hunt as adults. We need those future hunters to shoulder the costs and responsibilities of conserving the country’s wildlife and wildlife habitat after we’re gone.”
Among the 23 states that restrict the age a person can hunt, 16 require hunters to be at least 12 years old before they can hunt big game. New York, which is the most restrictive, prevents children under 16 years of age from hunting big game with a firearm.
“By the time kids are in the fifth grade, or even before, they’re already being pulled away by the allure of video games, organized sports or other activities,” said Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president. “We want young people to have the choice to participate in hunting because the tradition allows for an appreciation of this country’s woodlands and wildlife. Hunting teaches our kids responsibility, accountability and respect for life.”
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Last week, New York’s DEC gave out an incorrect phone number to report game harvest. The correct number for reporting game harvest should be (866) GAMERPT (426-3778).
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The striped bass blitz at both ends of Long Island is going strong.
Over the weekend, Al Norton of Fort Lee, N.J., who was fishing with light tackle specialist Capt. Joe Mattioli of On the Bite Charters out of Staten Island, took a 51.1-pound striper in Raritan Bay.
The big fish hit a live bunker and “on the initial run, line began to peel off the reel, and all we could do is watch in amazement,” the skipper said. “When we finally saw its back, dorsal fin and tail, I knew we had a big fish on. As it got within 25 feet of the boat we saw the entire profile of the fish and couldn’t believe the size of the girth.”
The captain has a Web site, http://www.flyfishnyc.com.
At the other end of the island, there have been bass and blues hitting the beaches of East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk almost every day. At Montauk, surf jockeys have taken fish from Turtle Cove to Shagwong Point. The fishing has been hot.