Youth take aim at safe hunting during workshop held in Labrador

A youth hunter skills workshop hosted by the Department of Environment and Conservation has helped Labrador youth take aim at safe hunting and other important outdoor survival tips.

The event, hosted by the Wildlife Division and the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association, was held at the newly constructed Labrador Hunting and Fishing Shooting Range on August 27. 

Youth aged 12 to 17 had hands-on training learning how to properly handle and fire shotguns, rifles, and bows. Youth also learned outdoor survival skills, how to properly obtain a hunting permit, and the importance of wildlife conservation.

The event was free of charge, and youth attending were required to be accompanied by an adult.

Tony Chubbs, president of the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association, told CBC's Labrador Morning that young people often do not have enough opportunity to handle firearms and learn proper safety techniques.

"Kids are not getting involved at an early enough age anymore," said Chubbs. 

"This event is geared toward trying to engage youth before they leave to go off to university, off to college, and they don't have the opportunity to use a firearm." 

Youth hunter skills events have been held annually across the province, but organizers said this is the first time such an event has been held in central Labrador, adding it's an exciting opportunity for youth in the area.  

The Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association also partnered with Innu Nation for the event to ensure that Innu youth had an opportunity to attend.

"People are fairly excited for this event because it's the first time we've had one like this in central Labrador," said Ashley Taylor, a volunteer with the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association. "I'm very excited to have the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nations engaged in this activity." 

"I know the parents and the organizers that we have which are going to be a part of it are really excited and really engaged."

The event also included a lunch — moose burgers and moose sausages, appropriately enough — with snacks provided by the local Tim Hortons.

'Lower the hunting age'

Chubbs said that the age at which youth can begin hunting in this province is too high, and that that contributes to a lack of knowledge and skill set among young people.

"Currently, small game hunting sits at age 16, and big game hunting is set at 18, so most of these kids are gone out of their community before they get an opportunity to hunt," he said. 

"We're lobbying the provincial government to lower the hunting age so more youth can get engaged in more hunting activities."