"QDM FOR KIDS"
A COMPLETE MENTORED YOUTH
WOODSMANSHIP PROGRAM


Addressing each Cornerstone of the QDMA

YOUTH MENTOR 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 youth may
     be 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.  Kids shall not be expected to participate in fund raising.  All mentors and volunteers
will be qualified to conduct the training assigned; and 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
  • Kids selected will be organized into two groups (age 9-13) and (age 14-18).  Each will
    be required to be a QDMA Youth Member (you may join at www.qdma.com)

  • We anticipate that our younger set will participate in core program activities; and our
    older set will participate in more in-depth training.

  • To the extent possible, educational opportunities will be coordinated with educational
    events that Cape Fear QDMA offers to area QDMA members and interested public; and
    will be hand-on activities

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 child's decision to participate in these hunts will be optional.

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.    QDM Hunt(s) *– expected to start Friday afternoon and close on Sunday mid-day
  • Mentored hunt, promoting the principles of Quality Deer Management
  • Game processing and safe handling of meat

*Kids 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
end of year QDM hunt.

The “QDM for Kids” program will adhere to the following Mission Statement:  

“QDM for Kids will be dedicated to developing both responsible stewards of our natural
resources and ethical young sports men and women of tomorrow.  In developing activities for
each program year, children 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 child’s interest and appreciation of nature; and will contribute to
the child’s learning in a positive way.”

To become "QDM for Kids" sponsor or volunteer, or to enroll for 2008 call Guy Gardner at
919/552-9449 or e-mail to
greaterthan8@yahoo.com
2007 QDM for Kids
2009 QDM for Kids