Cape Fear River Branch QDMA HUNTER EDUCATION MENTORING PROGRAM formerly "QDM FOR KIDS" A COMPLETE MENTORED WOODSMANSHIP PROGRAM Addressing each Cornerstone of the QDMA
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
To provide positive, save, and educational mentored activities which promote
appreciation and respect for the outdoors
To develop a basic understanding of practical conservation measures so that new hunters maybe responsible stewards of our wildlife
To teach the basic skills, values, techniques, and responsibilities of an ethical sportsman
To preserve our hunting heritage for present and future generations
VOLUNTEER AND SPONSOR SUPPORT This program will be conducted entirely through volunteer support, and funded primarily through donations of community-minded Sponsors, and Cape Fear River Branch QDMA fund raising activities. Participants will not be expected to participate in fund raising. All mentors and volunteers will be qualified to conduct the training assigned, will abide by written policies defining expected conduct and action, and will submit both references and a background check as part of the application process. Donations from our community-minded Sponsors may be tax-deductible. Tax receipts provided.
MENTORING PLAN
Participants selected will be required to join the QDMA an an annual member (join at www. qdma.com); and purchase a mentored hunting insurance policy issued by the QDMA that protects the hunter, mentor, parent/guardian (if applicable) and landowners (group hunts).
All participants will be expected to actively participate in core program activities; and successfully complete a NC Wildlife Resources Commission Hunter Safety Course in order to be eligible for group hunting opportunities.
To the extent possible, educational opportunities will be coordinated with educational events that Cape Fear QDMA offers to area QDMA members and interested public. These events will encourage hand-on activities and experiences.
Cape Fear QDMA will solicit the support of wildlife biologists and other experts and staff affiliated with State and local wildlife organizations, wildlife conservation groups, civic groups, QDMA sponsors, and other organizations to act as expert facilitators/presenters for the program
Each student will be paired with a QDMA-member mentor for key events, which may include hunts. A participant's decision to harvest an animal will be made soley at his/her discretion. QDM principles, including harvest strategies will be encouraged. Ultimately the landowner sponsoring a group hunt will set harvest restrictions applicable to the group, if any.
SUGGESTED CURRICULUM
1. OFFICIAL NC STATE HUNTER SAFETY COURSE *
2. SHOOTING AND FIREARM SKILLS *
3. WOODSMANSHIP SKILLS –
First responder first aid basics
Using a compass and GPS
Tree stand site safety
Locating hunting sites in the dark
Tracking game Tagging and reporting game
Gun transport, muzzle control
4. DEER BIOLOGY- Biologist-directed; hands on, if possible
Explain the physiology of whitetail deer
Present common diseases and pests (e.g. ticks) that affect deer.
Explain what CWD, Blue Tongue are and their impact to wildlife and people
Discuss the spread of disease, and the role that herd management, supplemental feeding may play
5. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Demonstrate correct technique for collecting soil samples
Conduct a field tour which demonstrates habitat improvement techniques
Organize a community service project, so that kids can contribute to habitat improvement
Herd management to support of habitat maintenance
6. HUNTER MANAGEMENT - individual responsibility to promote a positive public image
Guest Speakers will discuss Hunter Ethics, preserving the hunter heritage
7. HERD MONITORING / HERD MANAGEMENT
Data Collection Techniques; A field seminar if possible. Provide the kids with a camera experience; conduct a pellet survey; provide jawbone and weights discussion; and/or other monitoring techniques used by wildlife biologists
8. HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES*– each hunt will be scheduled to begin on a Friday afternoon and close on Sunday mid-day
Mentored hunts will promote the principles of Quality Deer Management
Field Technique, tracking, field dressing, and game processing will be included in these experiences as the opportunity arises.
*Participants may opt out of activities marked with an (*) but must demonstrate that they have passed the official NC Hunter Education class and have completed NRA-sanctioned firearms safety training through another program in order to be eligible to participate in the group hunts
The “Hunter Education Mentoring Program” program will adhere to the following Mission Statement:
The Hunter Education Mentoring Program will be dedicated to developing both responsible stewards of our natural resources and ethical sports men and women of tomorrow. In developing activities for each program year, new hunters will be exposed to each cornerstone of QDMA: Habitat Management, Herd Monitoring, Herd Management, and Hunter Management. Each event during this year-long commitment between mentor and student will promote safety for all concerned; will encourage a new hunter's interest and appreciation of nature; and will contribute to the participants learning in a positive way.”
To become "Hunter Education Mentoring Program " sponsor or volunteer, or to enroll for the upcoming year call Guy Gardner at 919/552-9449 or e-mail to greaterthan8@yahoo.com