Youth Programs Give Promise for the Future

     In 1996, the United States was different in a lot of ways than it would be ten years later. Bill Clinton was near the end of his first

term; a first-class postage stamp cost 32 cents; and the country's population was 265 million. In 2006, the Bush years had begun in

the White House; it cost almost a dime more to mail a letter; and there were 300 million folks in the country.

    Something else also changed during that decade - something that is of critical concern to many outdoor sportsmen. The number

of licensed hunters and fishermen began to decline in most states, including North Carolina. In 1996, there were 1.6 million licensed

anglers in the state. In 2006, there were approximately 1.3 million, a 19 percent decline. Not only were there fewer people fishing in

2006, but they were spending less money doing it. According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated

Research, conducted each five years by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), between 1996 and 2006, expenditures by

North Carolina fishermen declined 44 percent.

     The figures were similar for hunters for the same period. In 1996, there were 370,000 licensed hunters in the state. By 2006, the

number had declined to 304,000 - a reduction of approximately 18 percent. Annual expenditures by those sportsmen fell during that

decade from $724 million to about $688 million.

     Fewer hunters and anglers doesn't just mean less competition for prime fishing holes or promising duck hunting spots. It means

that there are fewer individuals to pass on the traditions and values that outdoorsmen share. It means that, unless the trend is

reversed, there will be fewer citizens in the future who care about clean water, clear air and high-quality wildlife habitat. In spite of all

their emotional rhetoric, the fact is anti-hunting and fishing groups like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

contribute next-to-nothing to preserving and improving wildlife populations.

     Hunters and fishermen, on the other hand, have led the way in wildlife conservation since the early years of the country. In the 75

years since sport fish and wildlife restoration programs were begun (at the insistence of sportsmen), excise taxes on firearms,

ammunition, archery, and angling equipment have generated over $10 billion for wildlife conservation and management by state

wildlife agencies. If the number of hunters and fishermen decline, so will that vital support.

     Recognizing the importance of recruiting new blood to the outdoor sports, a number of mainstream organizations have

established programs specifically for youngsters. For example, Ducks Unlimited (the largest wildlife conservation organization in

North America) has the Greenwings. That branch of the parent group gives youth age 17 and younger a chance to participate in

interesting, challenging activities that relate to wetlands and wildlife. Greenwing events organized by local DU chapters include

nature walks, field trips, classes on hunter safety, wildlife identification and much more. A major goal is to instill an appreciation for

the country's wildlife resources, and the understanding that preserving and improving habitat is critical to the conservation of all

species, including waterfowl. Another is simple - have fun.

      The significance of DU's Greenwing program in North Carolina is seen in the fact that, of the 25,833 members of the

organization statewide, nearly 4 thousand are Greenwings. For a $10 annual membership fee, they receive a membership card, a

sticker, a year's subscription to "Puddler" or "DU" magazine - and the chance to be active participants in the continent's most

influential conservation organization.

     The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) also has a junior program. Theirs is called JAKES - Juniors Acquiring Knowledge,

Ethics and Sportsmanship. Developed in 1981, it is "dedicated to teaching the principles of wildlife management and passing along

the traditions of safe, ethical and responsible hunting." In 2002, the JAKES initiative was divided into two sub-groups - one for

youngsters up to age 12 and "Xtreme JAKES" for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. The latter provides advanced outdoor

opportunities and challenges more in line with the older JAKES' abilities and experiences.

     In 2007, local NWTF chapters across the country conducted more than 1,000 JAKES/Xtreme JAKES events that featured all

kinds of exhibits, presentations and hands-on activities. The Neuse Chapter hosts such an outing each spring and each year it gets

bigger and better. Information about the annual JAKES Day, and the National Wild Turkey Federation in general, is available from

Robert Smith at 252-259-4281.

     There are also opportunities for young anglers to become involved in conservation organizations that have things specifically for

them. The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) has what they call the New Tide program. Its focus is on education regarding

the conservation of marine resources and the preservation of quality habitat. The CCA has chapters in 17 states along the Gulf of

Mexico, and on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, including North Carolina. In addition to a monthly newsletter designed specifically

for youngsters and a variety of patches, decals and other neat stuff, young members have a chance in most of those states to

participate in fishing tournaments just for them.

     One group that has long supported the involvement of young sportsmen in the outdoors is not associated with any particular

hunting or fishing activity. It's the National Rifle Association (NRA). Through a number of programs, the NRA gives youngsters

opportunities to develop competencies and responsible attitudes relating to the shooting sports. Their Youth Hunter Education

Challenge (YHEC) program involves thousands of middle school and high school-age boys and girls in trap shooting, .22 caliber

marksmanship, archery, blackpowder shooting, orienteering and other outdoor skills. Local NRA chapters provide financial and

physical support for competitions at the local, regional, state and national levels. Since 1994, the Twin River Friends of the NRA

have awarded nearly $106,000 to hunter safety teams or junior ROTC units associated with schools in Craven, Pamlico and Jones

counties.

     Regardless of their title, each group who supports a youth program has a common focus - to help youngsters develop an

appreciation for our natural resources and learn skills that they can use throughout their life to protect them. It gives promise for a

better future for everyone concerned - the kids, others they will influence through the years, and all kinds of wildlife.