RBC I Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering two more area young hunters a chance to earn a mentored, high-quality spring turkey hunt on private land near Craig. Scheduled to take place the weekend of May 2-3, the hunt is made possible with the help and support of local landowners working in partnership with CPW wildlife managers.
As part of the agency’s Hunter Outreach Program, the hunt is a continuing effort to instill respect for wildlife, the outdoors, and the traditions of hunting in Colorado’s youth, including those from Rio Blanco County.
“This is the second year that we have offered this opportunity in this area,” said District Wildlife Manager Mike Swaro of Craig. “Last year’s hunt was fantastic. The kids had a great time and we expect there will be high demand for the chance to participate this year.”
All novice youth hunters are encouraged to apply; however, those who have no prior hunting experience or have special family circumstances or health conditions that limit their ability to hunt will be given priority over experienced youths that come from hunting families.
Boys and girls under the age of 18 who posses a Hunter Education card are eligible to apply and must send a letter of interest postmarked by April 4 to: DWM Mike Swaro, 815 Ashley Road, Craig, Colo. 81625. For more information, call the CPW office in Meeker, at (970)-878-6090.
The letter must include the youth’s name, address and hunter education card number. It must also include a phone number for the applicant’s parent or guardian. In addition, each letter must include an essay of 500 words or less about why the applicant should be selected over other youth applicants.
“Kids can write about their lack of hunting experience and desire to learn, or about any obstacles that have prevented the ability to hunt in past,” Swaro said. “We want to hear about why the youth wants to learn to hunt, why hunting is important in Colorado and how they plan to use this experience in the future.”
Swaro stressed that the essay must be written in the applicants own words.
The two participants will be selected based upon the essays and will be notified by CPW on or before April 8.
Anyone selected for this hunt will be required to attend a pre-hunt orientation at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s warehouse in Craig on May 1 from 3 to 5 p.m., accompanied by a parent, guardian or mentor.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide shotguns, ammunition, blinds and calls. Selected hunters must provide their own camouflage clothing.
