Ten young hunters from around the nation with limited hunting opportunities recently enjoyed a dream deer hunt at QDMA’s 2011 National Youth Hunt, sponsored by Plum Creek Timber Co.
Held in Georgia on a private host property from October 26-30, the National Youth Hunt was
attended by hunters age 9 to 15 from the states of Michigan, South Carolina, Minnesota, Kentucky, Illinois and Oklahoma. The hunters are nominated annually by members of QDMA Branches, who select youths from their communities for the honor. The QDMA National Office then selects 10 of the nominees to attend the hunt; criteria for selection center on the youth’s interest in learning to hunt despite a lack of opportunity, whether it is lack of a place to hunt, lack of a mentor figure to take them hunting, or other obstacles.
“We know from nationwide surveys that interest in hunting among today’s youth exceeds
opportunity,” said Brian Murphy, QDMA’s CEO. “They want to learn, but they don’t have someone who can take them or teach them how, or a place to go.” At QDMA’s National Youth Hunt, hunters are treated to great food, great hunting, and plenty of guidance and learning opportunities. One of the most memorable aspects is the participation of the U.S. Army’s Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) out of Fort Benning. Members of the USAMU team work one-on-one with each hunter to teach rifle safety, proper use, and marksmanship with their Remington model 770 Compact rifles in .243 caliber. After spending time on the range sighting-in the rifles, each youth takes a “graduation shot” from an actual deer stand, facing deer silhouettes at various ranges.
Each hunter is paired with a guide throughout the 3-day hunt. Guides include wildlife management staff members from the host property and QDMA staff members. The property’s staff prepare for the hunt for weeks by selecting and monitoring stand sites, and the preparation paid off again this year. By the end of the three-day hunt, all 10 hunters had
opportunities to harvest deer, and the total harvest included 13 whitetails and one feral hog. Eight hunters took their first deer ever on the hunt.
Throughout the event, QDMA staff members provide lessons on everything from deer anatomy and skinning/dressing techniques to antler growth and jawbone aging. A visit by wildlife conservation officers with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division provides information on ethics and safety. The overall goal is to provide the hunters with a foundation of knowledge that allows them to feel confident as they pursue future hunting opportunities. “The
fabulous setting at the host property, the participation of the U.S. Army and other groups, all of these things and more make this an unforgettable event for these kids,” said Murphy. “We hope it gives them the motivation to continue a lifelong pursuit of their interest in hunting and the outdoors.”
This year’s nominating Branches included the Low Country Branch of South Carolina, the Rum River and Heart of Lakes Branches of Minnesota, the Derby City Branch of Kentucky, The Southern Illinois Branch, the Eastern Oklahoma Branch, and, from Michigan, the Thumb Area, Blue Water, and Northeast Michigan Branches. The youth hunt was made possible by major financial support from Plum Creek Timber Co. Additional companies provided material support, including Remington (loan of rifles), Realtree (caps and gear), Caldwell (E-max electronic hearing protection for the range), Winchester (protective eyeglasses for the range), and the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (caps and t-shirts for the hunters). QDMA would like to thank all of these groups, along with the host property, for making the National Youth Hunt possible.
The QDMA National Youth Hunt is the cornerstone event in QDMA’s national youth outreach efforts, the culmination of numerous other youth events and hunts held nationwide each year by QDMA Branches. This nationwide effort will be greatly expanded with the launch of QDMA’s new Youth Education & Outreach program in 2012. Photos from the QDMA National Youth Hunt are available on request. Contact Lindsay Thomas Jr., QDMA Director of
Communications, at 800-209-3337.
About QDMA
Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with nearly 50,000 members in all 50 states and Canada. QDMA is dedicated to ensuring the future of
white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. To learn more
about QDMA and why it is the future of deer hunting, call 800-209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com
