Washington Waterfowl Association Youth Hunt

[White Tornado]

Last weekend the Washington waterfowl association sponsored a youth hunt near Stanwood. They contacted me last week to see if I was interested in taking some photos of the event and fortunately I had Saturday free so I happily agreed. The hunt was held on property owned by The Nature Conservancy just south of Stanwood on Boe Rd. This property is managed as a wildlife sanctuary and is normally off limits to all hunting. Even photographers and bird watchers must gain prior approval as they allow only a small number of visitors to the site each day. A great time seemed to be had by the kids and the WWA members who did all the work of building blinds, setting up decoys and guiding the hunts. What a great investment in time and effort by the WWA to help teach kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity the art of waterfowling. Hats off also to The Nature Conservancy for cooperating and allowing this event on the land that they manage!!!!

[White Tornado]

A few more photos!!

[h2ofowlr]

Looks like the twins had a good shoot. 

[bigtex]

Great pictures. Love the one of the lab standing up with the youngster.

[full choke]

Great photos! First class all the way, good job!

[sakoshooter]

Nice pics. Sounds like a good time for those kids.

[boneaddict]

Great captures.     When you can catch the emotion on film you know you have The pic.  Well done and thank you for sharing with us.

[singleshot12]

Wow Looks like we're going to have to join WWA now to get in on a hunt like that. Did the kids have to be members to participate in the hunt? Was it a one day hunt only? Are they doing it again next season? Glad they gave the kids easy pickings opportunity

[White Tornado]

Wow Looks like we're going to have to join WWA now to get in on a hunt like that. Did the kids have to be members to participate in the hunt? Was it a one day hunt only? Are they doing it again next season? Glad they gave the kids easy pickings opportunity

     From my understanding this is the second time the WWA was allowed to organize a youth hunt at this location. The first was during the September Early Youth Hunt this past fall. I do not believe that those who signed up needed to be members. I was told that they had posted flyers at some of the local sporting stores. They had three blinds set up and scheduled each blind for a  morning hunt and then an afternoon hunt on both Saturday and Sunday so a total of twelve slots were available. From what I could tell these were a great bunch of guys who worked their tails of for these kids. I am sure they would welcome any new members and support for this and their other activities!!

[singleshot12]

We definitely need more opportunity like that to help keep youth interested and into waterfowl hunting. With so many locked areas to hunting it's considerate for TNC to open the preserve to the youth. It's an area that needs and should be allowed some hunting. It would be neat if they opened it up for youth only for say 3 days a week for the entire season some day.

[wafisherman]

So how do I get my boys involved?  Great pics!

[h2ofowlr]

So how do I get my boys involved?  Great pics!

If your signed up for WWA you will get the notices.  Otherwise you will need to contact the local WWA and see if you can get on some of the e-mail traffic or catch a flyer when posted.

[birdstew]

Wow Looks like we're going to have to join WWA now to get in on a hunt like that. Did the kids have to be members to participate in the hunt? Was it a one day hunt only? Are they doing it again next season? Glad they gave the kids easy pickings opportunity

So how do I get my boys involved?  Great pics!

http://www.waduck.org/

Dont join with the hopes of just getting a hunt like this.  They do alot during the off season that you can take your children with you like building blinds and you meet a lot of new people.

[wafisherman]

Thanks!

[Island Time]

Thanks for posting the incredible pictures (my son is with the lab standing)!   It was a great time and hope to see more kids out there next time.