Waterfowl hunting is a tremendously rewarding sport, steeped in tradition. Many sportsmen have not witnessed the thrill of ducks streaking over decoys or the excitement of geese hovering over the blind with wings locked!
Waterfowling can be more difficult than other types of hunting because of the substantial amount of equipment and specialized skills that are often needed. Studies have shown that waterfowl hunting takes a great deal of mentoring. An overwhelming 91% of hunters indicated that they were mentored in becoming a waterfowl hunter by a parent, relative or close friend.
The Connecticut Waterfowlers Association created this program to help out hunters who have no one to mentor them. This program pairs up experienced volunteer mentors with youths and even adult novice hunters. New participants in this great sport will come to appreciate and help conserve our waterfowl resources. For the mentors, it provides an opportunity to give back to the resource they cherish.
Applicants can print the appropriate forms, fill them out and mail them to:
Greg Chasko
Connecticut Waterfowlers Association
11 Deer Run
East Haddam, CT 06423.
Mentee Jake Verbridge had a fine hunt on the second Youth Day (11/5/16), bagging two nice geese, including one that was banded. What a great first hunt! Mentors were Rich Chmiel and Cam Alburquerque.
Mentees Elena and Marissa Hughes pictured with their father, David, only got one shot on their hunt, but made the best of it bagging a honker! Mentors were Rich Chmiel and Greg Chasko.
Young Jakob Hornick had a rough start to his first waterfowl hunt, but after a little coaching, managed to bag a limit of geese. He is pictured with Mentor Greg Chasko who was accompanied by Mentor Min Huang.