Waterfowlers Hunter Mentoring Program
YOUTHS AND ADULT NOVICE HUNTERS
HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HUNT WITH AN EXPERIENCED WATERFOWLER!
HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HUNT WITH AN EXPERIENCED WATERFOWLER!
Application Information
The Connecticut Waterfowl Association (CWA) has developed this program with the goal of introducing hunters to the sport of waterfowling. Waterfowl hunting often requires specialized skills and equipment. Thus, it is more difficult for new hunters to participate compared to other types of hunting. Even experienced sportsmen may not have tried waterfowling because they lack the needed knowledge or equipment.
The CWA has initiated this program to promote waterfowl hunting by providing mentors who are willing to provide a quality waterfowl hunting experience with a youth or other novice hunter. This will help CWA meet its mission to enhance wildlife and wetlands in Connecticut by encouraging new waterfowl hunters to participate in this great sport and appreciate and contribute to the conservation of these resources. It also provides an opportunity for mentors to give back to the resource that they cherish.
The CWA has initiated this program to promote waterfowl hunting by providing mentors who are willing to provide a quality waterfowl hunting experience with a youth or other novice hunter. This will help CWA meet its mission to enhance wildlife and wetlands in Connecticut by encouraging new waterfowl hunters to participate in this great sport and appreciate and contribute to the conservation of these resources. It also provides an opportunity for mentors to give back to the resource that they cherish.
How The Program Works
- CWA has developed a list of volunteer mentors from among its members.
- A list of recent graduates from the Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Course who do not have a parent, relative or friend who can take them waterfowl hunting and others, who have expressed interest in participating in CWA’s Waterfowl Hunter Mentoring Program, has been developed.
- CWA will group mentors and novice hunters by geographic area and provide mentors with a list of novice hunters who live nearby.
- Workshops will be conducted to introduce participants to the basics of waterfowl hunting.
- Mentors will contact novice hunters to set up a hunt.
- There is no cost to participate in this program.
Requirements for Mentors: Mentors must be at least 18 years old, possess a Connecticut Small Game license, plus Federal and Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamps. Potential mentors must consent to review and approval by the CWA Board of Directors and pass a background check conducted by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Mentors are expected to have experience in waterfowl hunting and be proficient in waterfowl identification. They do not have to be experts in every aspect of waterfowl hunting, but they do need to be ethical and responsible hunters.
Mentors are expected to provide the equipment necessary (decoys, etc.) for the hunt. Ideally, mentors would be able to scout an area prior to the hunt to help ensure a positive experience for the novice. Mentors hunting with youths under the age of 18 whom they have not previously met would be required to meet the parents or guardians of the youth. Mentors must be members of CWA. Potential mentors who are not currently members will be given a one-year membership at no cost.
Requirements for Mentees (Youths and Adult Novice Hunters): Mentees must have completed the Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Course (or equivalent), possess a Connecticut Small Game license, Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp and if 16 years of age or older possess Federal Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Mentees who are not currently members will be given a one-year membership at no cost.
Checklist for Mentor Program
Please review the Waterfowl Hunter Mentoring Program Application Information document for a description of how the Program works. If you would like to participate in the Program you will have to complete two forms.
Youth Mentees (under 18 years of age) must fill out: Adult Novice Mentee (18 years of age or older):
Mentors are expected to have experience in waterfowl hunting and be proficient in waterfowl identification. They do not have to be experts in every aspect of waterfowl hunting, but they do need to be ethical and responsible hunters.
Mentors are expected to provide the equipment necessary (decoys, etc.) for the hunt. Ideally, mentors would be able to scout an area prior to the hunt to help ensure a positive experience for the novice. Mentors hunting with youths under the age of 18 whom they have not previously met would be required to meet the parents or guardians of the youth. Mentors must be members of CWA. Potential mentors who are not currently members will be given a one-year membership at no cost.
Requirements for Mentees (Youths and Adult Novice Hunters): Mentees must have completed the Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Course (or equivalent), possess a Connecticut Small Game license, Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp and if 16 years of age or older possess Federal Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Mentees who are not currently members will be given a one-year membership at no cost.
Checklist for Mentor Program
Please review the Waterfowl Hunter Mentoring Program Application Information document for a description of how the Program works. If you would like to participate in the Program you will have to complete two forms.
Youth Mentees (under 18 years of age) must fill out: Adult Novice Mentee (18 years of age or older):
- Junior Member and Adult Novice Application Form
- Mentor or Adult Novice Hunter Waiver and Release Agreement
Download and fill out the forms you need. Print the form, sign it where indicated and mail to:
Tom Lewoc Jr.
459 Wood Hill Road
Cheshire, CT 06410
Tom Lewoc Jr.
459 Wood Hill Road
Cheshire, CT 06410
