MONTPELIER, Vt. - Are you a brand new hunter or archer with no mentor to guide you in your first hunting experience? Do you lack the skills to properly field dress and process your first deer? If so, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has a solution for you. The department is holding a series of free seminars covering the basics to get you started in hunting.

"Starting in mid-August, we are hosting a series of seminars in different aspects of hunting to properly equip inexperienced hunters with the tools to be successful in the Vermont outdoors," says John Pellegrini, hunter education training coordinator. "Our experienced volunteer instructors will be teaching courses on archery, waterfowl, turkey and deer hunting as well as processing, storing and cooking game. You will learn what to wear on your first hunt and how to select a firearm or archery equipment."

The seminars are being held in different parts of the state. With the Vermont deer, turkey and bear populations in good shape, now is the time to give hunting a try.

Pellegrini stresses these seminars are for beginning hunters, not for the hunting veteran. "We've heard from a number of hunter education graduates who are new to the sport that they need additional hands-on experience before going into the field. These seminars are designed to be the bridge to successful participation."

A hunting license is not required, and equipment is provided for use during the seminars.

Vermont has more than 70,000 licensed hunters. Each year they provide a critical service to the state by helping manage the various game species in Vermont. Additionally, they provide more than $268.7 million in revenue to the state's economy, according to a recent national study. By training the next generation of hunters, the department ensures this tradition remains strong in Vermont.

A list of the seminars with descriptions, dates, locations, and registration information is on theVermont Fish & Wildlife website: (http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/edu_hunt_seminars.cfm).
For additional information, contact John Pellegrini at john.pellegrini@state.vt.us, or at 802-272-2909. Register early, as these seminars will fill up quickly.


Media Contacts: John Pellegrini, 802-272-2909; Chris Saunders, 802-777-343-5487