Free Waterfowl Hunting Clinics Scheduled for September 12

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You can sit in a portable duck blind -- and learn how to estimate how far ducks are from you -- at an upcoming clinic.

DWR Press Release 

You can learn the basics of duck and goose hunting at two upcoming clinics. The clinic in south-central Utah is open to those 17 years of age and younger. In southeastern Utah, those of all ages are welcome to attend. The clinics are free and happen Sept. 12.

South-central Utah

Young people can learn how to hunt ducks and geese at the second annual Waterfowl Hunting clinic in south-central Utah.

The clinic will be held Sept. 12 at Redmond Lake. The lake is in Salina, just east of Richfield. It runs from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Anyone 17 years of age and younger is invited to attend.

“You don’t need to bring anything with you, just a passion for hunting and learning about wildlife,” said Heather Talley, regional wildlife recreation coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “Engaging in different aspects of the clinic will help prepare you for the hunt.”

To register for the event, or for more information, call Talley at (435) 868-8756.

Blair Stringham, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR, said the waterfowl clinic will be a great opportunity to learn how to hunt waterfowl. “You’ll learn about biology, decoys, calls and everything else you need to know to be successful,” he explained.

Also, you might win a prize. Door prizes and raffle items will be given away. A free lunch will also be provided.

Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, the nation’s leading waterfowl conservation organizations, are among those who helped put the event together. After the clinic is over, Delta Waterfowl has mentors that can help you apply the skills you’ve learned by taking you hunting.

“If you’re a new hunter, and you’re interested in duck or goose hunting, Delta Waterfowl can put you in touch with one of our mentors and get you started,” said Jeff Adams, a member of Delta Waterfowl. “We know the excitement that comes from standing in the marsh, napping in a layout blind and especially the excitement that comes from harvesting your first bird.”

In addition to Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, Barrett’s Food Town, Fresh Market and Wal-Mart have joined with the DWR to make the event possible.

Southeastern Utah

On Sept. 12, the Division of Wildlife Resources and Ducks Unlimited will sponsor a free waterfowl hunting clinic at the Desert Lake Waterfowl Management Area. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Desert Lake WMA is east of Elmo in Emery County.

“This will be the second year of many such events,” said Walt Maldonado, DWR regional wildlife recreation coordinator. “We want this to be something youth and adults look forward to from one year to the next. We’ll offer seven different stations. Fun, action and excitement will be available at each one.”

Casey Olsen, Ducks Unlimited chapter chairman, said if you attend the clinic, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get started in waterfowl hunting. “Even experienced hunters could learn a thing or two,” Olsen said.

At the seminar, you’ll learn how to call ducks and geese and place decoys for a variety of hunting conditions. You’ll also learn which firearms and ammunition are best for waterfowl hunting. Proper shooting techniques, which will increase the chance that you bag birds, will also be taught.

“You can also watch trained retrieving dogs in action,” explained Olsen, who demonstrated with his own dogs last year. “There will be door prizes for the youth, specifically tailored to waterfowl hunters, as well as a prize for the best duck caller.”

If you already know how to call ducks, Maldonado said the clinic includes a duck calling contest. If you aren’t an experienced duck caller, you’ll get a crash course before the calling contest, which will take place at noon.

A station where youth can shoot clay pigeons from a duck blind will also be offered. The clay birds will be launched from various angles to simulate actual hunting conditions.

A variety of shotguns will be available for adults, youth and children to use. The shotguns include small guns with light loads. The small guns and light loads will help young shooters enjoy their introduction to the sport without worrying about recoil when they shoot.

For more information about the free clinic, call the DWR’s Southeastern Region office at (435) 613-3700.

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