New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Lance Cherry, (505) 476-8003
Public contact: (888) 248-6866
lance.cherry@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 24, 2015:

SPECIAL HUNTER EDUCATION CAMP OFFERED AT PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Philmont Scout Ranch and Safari Club International are offering a new way for youths younger than 18 to earn their hunter education certification and be able to legally hunt with firearms in the state.

Participants of the free Hunter Education Camp will stay with their families at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron the weekend of April 17-19, where they will learn safe and responsible firearms handling, ethical hunting behaviors, conservation, wildlife identification and basic survival skills. Participants also will have the opportunity to test their marksmanship skills with .22 rifles and shotguns on the range under the instruction of certified hunter education instructors and department staff.

To qualify for the camp, youths must be age 11 to 18, have an online account with the Department of Game and Fish, and complete some advance homework.

For youths under 18 years of age to legally hunt with firearms in New Mexico, they first must have successfully completed a hunter education course or have registered with the department’s Mentored-Youth Hunting Program.

For more information on and how to register for the camp and other hunter education opportunities, please contact the Hunter Education Program Office at (505) 222-4731 or email jennifer.morgan@state.nm.us.

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