With the start to the fall hunting season, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF), is inviting both experienced and novice hunters to visit their website for upcoming programs and events, to learn more about outdoor and hunting safety.
"Hunting season is just starting to get rolling," says Chris Benson, Program & Events Coordinator for the MWF. "It doesn't feel like fall in days like these at plus 30's but it is fall and hunting season is just starting, and some of our programming is just starting as well."
The MWF hosts a number of hunter education programs, including '1st Shot' where participants try shot-gunning and rifle shooting in a safe and informative setting. Volunteer instructors from MWF and Team Lady Fowlers teach safe firearm handling to adults and youth not skilled or comfortable with handling a shotgun or rifle. The sold-out event is taking place later this month at the St. Hubertus Game & Fish, showing how popular the '1st Shot' program is for novice hunters.
Established in 1944, the MWF strives to educate Manitobans about outdoor and hunting safety as well as conservation, habitat and resources. They promote, practice and instruct in ethical behaviour when out in Manitoba's biggest recreational playground of forests, lakes and rivers.
With nearly 15,000 members across the province, the MWF is the province's oldest and largest conservation organization, representing hunters, anglers, trappers and sport shooters. Their programs are adapted for participants in every skill level. Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is a spring event that is geared for women who want to be more skilled in a variety of outdoor recreation, such as shot-gunning, wild turkey hunting, kayaking, fishing, etc. BOW is also a sell-out each spring with a list of willing participants!
Benson says one of the Foundation's favorite educational tools is the Mentored Hunt Program, and he invites communities to look into hosting this program through the MWF's wealth of resources.
"The mentored hunts are one of those programs that are extremely popular," he explains. "There's a lot of interest in learning how to hunt, how to be careful and safe, and how to do it properly. One of our greatest challenges is post-covid, getting those programs up and running again, getting volunteers organized, the committees and our partners, and getting those events going again."
"If there's anyone out there who would like to run a 'Mentored Hunt, or 'Learn to Fish' program, that's something that we fully support," adds Benson, "and we have resources to offer those committees and individuals. Just give us a call and we can get you set up, and we can help to recruit the next generation of hunters and anglers in Manitoba."
For more information on upcoming programs and events, visit https://mwf.mb.ca/
Learn more about the MWF at their annual Fall banquet, Wild at Heart’ at the end of October.
Saturday Oct 29th 2022
Victoria Inn
1808 Wellington Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Prime Rib dinner with sides and dessert
5:30 – 7:00pm Reception
7:00 – 10:00pm banquet, auction, prizes
Tickets
$90 Early Bird if purchased by Sept 30th
$120 Regular price if purchased by Oct 21st