Fitchburg Sportsmen's Club / Youth

The young people of today will shape the future. It is important that they learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them. To work hard. Manage and use resources wisely. To think before they act, and be responsible for their actions.

Hunting and fishing, along with other outdoor activities provide wholesome, healthy fun. When young people are introduced to the sports by responsible adults, they learn more than just the basic skills involved in harvesting fish and other game, or hitting a target with a bow or firearm. They learn to be patience, quiet, and observant. To concentrate, and think ahead to the result of their actions. To function with others as a team. Appreciate the world around them, and see how there actions impact others.

In short they will become better citizens, and those that mentor them will have learned much as well. Both will enjoy the time spent together, while forming lasting bonds of friendship and camaraderie.

In our busy lives, the value of time spent in the woods or on the water, alone or with others, is immeasurable. Treasure every minute and share it with others.

Young Adult Pheasant Hunt

This past fall, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the club held a Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program.

The Massachusetts Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program was developed by MassWildlife to provide an opportunity for 12-17 year old Hunter Education graduate to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt with a safe, experienced hunter in a friendly environment.

The program is run by participating local sportsmen's clubs. Hunter safety is emphasized in all aspects of the program to help build the confidence of young adult hunters so they may feel comfortable hunting alone or with others in the field. This program is more than just a day of pheasant hunting in the field. It is a comprehensive three part outdoor recreation program including: Shooting Instruction and Practice; a Pre-hunt Workshop; and culminating in a Day in the Field Hunting Pheasants.

Following is an account of one of the participating youth.

MY FIRST YOUTH PHEASANT HUNT

My first youth pheasant hunt was a blast. I got to meet new kids who actually liked hunting. Because only three of us were participating, and it was before the season started, we figured we'd all get a pheasant. And we did! Not only did we learn how to hunt better, we also learned how to clean the bird following the hunt.
Once I collected some of the feathers for a keepsake, my family and I got to eat the meat, which was delicious, thanks to the great cook - my mom.

Jacob Demont

Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp

Each year the club sponsors one young person to attend the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp.

Currently hosted at the Chesterfield Scout Reservation on 521 acres near Scout Pond in Chesterfield, Massachusetts, the camp provides an opportunity for boys and girls aged 13 to 17 years old who enjoy outdoor activities and want to learn more about the environment.

Conservation subjects taught include Fish & Pond Life, Forestry, Soil Conservation, and Wildlife Management. Outdoor skills taught include Archery, Basic Camping, Fly & Spin Casting, Orienteering, Riflery, and Shotgun. These courses are lead by experts in their field. Additional MJCC curriculum involves the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program and Small Boat Safety.

This summer, 2006, the club sent two young ladies, Laurel Durkan and Ashley Gridley, to the camp. We received letters from both of them describing their experience, and thanking us for the opportunity. The text of the letters is reprinted below.

Dear Fitchburg Sportsman Club,

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity of Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp that you offered me this past summer. I had a great time. Not only did I make a bunch of new friends, but I also made memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

While at camp, I learned a lot about shooting: archery, riflery, and shotgun, that has made an impact on my life. Ever since I’ve been to camp, I’ve been practicing archery in my backyard. I really like archery and don’t know what I would do without it. If I hadn’t been sent to camp, I would never have had the opportunity to learn any of these things.

Also, I have still been in contact with my friends from camp, and we talk regularly through email. We still laugh about our experiences at camp, something I think none of us will forget.

MJCC was a great place, and we did a lot of fun stuff there. We did rifle, shotgun, archery, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, chasing after the dreaded chicken alarm clock, making boats out of cardboard and trash bags, singing at the top of our lungs, and kicking the boy’s butts in every competition. Personally, I think that it’s one of the best two weeks I have ever had.

In addition, I took the Hunters Safety Education course, and the Boaters Safety Course and passed both of them. Without having been to camp, I could never have told you what a “give way vessel” was or how to load a break action shotgun. I learned so much at camp, and I think it will help me in my future, especially because I want to know how to drive a boat or handle a firearm.

Thank you so much for all that you have done for me by sending me to camp,

Laurel E. Durkan

08-31-06

Dear Fitchburg Sportsmen's Club Members,
My name is Ashley Gridley and I wanted to thank you for allowing me to participate in the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp. Although in the beginning it was a hard experience form me because I missed my family and friends more than words could possibly explain, this camp was the best experience of my life. I learned many things about hunting safety, boat safety and shooting guns. My favorite type of gun was the shotgun. I did so well with the shotgun that I almost made it into the shotgun finals. Another thing I loved to do was archery. As my Saturday optional, I went fishing. At first, I was catching nothing. Then all of a sudden I felt a great tug on my fishing line ans as I struggled to reel in the fish, I realized that it was a big one. I ended up catching a 23 inch rainbow trout, the biggest fish caught all throughout camp. Although my fish was the biggest one caught, I was only allowed third place for the fishing competition because I caught my fish out of a stocked pond. I made many friends and at the end of camp, my mom practically had to drag me into the car to go home. I loved it so much that I plan to go back next year as staff. I just want to thank you for allowing me to have the best experience of my life and make friends that I will have for the rest of my life.

Thank you,
Ashley Gridley