P.E.I. Father and Son

P.E.I. Father and Son cast lines in this Province!

Hordes of people come to Newfoundland and Labrador each year to experience the thrill of salmon fishing and capture the beauty of its wilderness.

But few people have the chance to do it like Brett Doucette and his father Darryl of Tignish, P.E.I.

Thirteen-year-old Brett was. the P.E.I. winner of the Atlantic Province's Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange Program, endorsed by the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, P.E.!, Nova Scotia and New Burnswick and supported by sponsors with an interest in wildlife

The program embraces the heritage and culture of hunting and fishing and encourages youth to become involved in conservation awareness. Through participation in programs like the Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course, young people, age 12-17, can win an opportunity to experience other cultures and lifestyles involving hunting and fishing in their neighbouring provinces.

Accompanied by his father, the Doucettes went fly fishing, both for the first time, in Grandy's River, while staying at the Angler's Retreat for three days.

"It was very exciting," Brett told the Western Star. "I didn't think I would ever win anything like that.

"It was all pretty exciting. It was a good opportunity to see other parts of Canada. I've never salmon fished before. It went pretty good and I caught one pretty quick. I enjoyed it very much."

. "It's something I'd like to try to do again some time, if I get the chance," added Darryl. "The area was really nice, pretty well something like the island home. The people were very kind, you know the same as home."

The father and son had some success, landing one salmon, which planned on sampling after their expedition ended with officials from the local wildlife division.

Chris Baldwin, training specialist with the wildlife division here, joined the Doucettes on their fishing trip to the south coast of the province. He enjoyed his time with them and complimented the accommodations in Grandy's River.

Baldwin said there's little doubt the four-year program is effective in sparking interest of the outdoor sporting world in the youth involved.

"Personally, I think it is a great opportunity for wildlife agencies and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to develop partnerships to encourage youth participation in hunting and fishing," he said. "Throughout the country, and throughout North America, one of the things we've been recognizing most is there is a continual decline in the participation of youngsters in these types of activities.

"From a wildlife management perspective, it's important that we have hunters and anglers out there to assist us and support wildlife management programs. It's also important for NGOs and for industry that rely on hunters for support as well."

Brett, a hunter back home, also had a part in enabling somebody from this province to experience the thrill of a Canada goose hunt in P.E.I. .this October. From more than 300 names, Brett drew the name of Ian Jacobs of Westport, a small community on the Baie Verte Peninsula, as the 2004 winner.

After four successful years, Baldwin hopes the program now has a strong foundation and expects another in 2005. In this province the names of the youth taking part in the Firearms SafetylHunter Education Course or other outdoor awareness programs until June of 2005 will be entered for a chance to win next year's trip to P.E.I.

Designed by: Keith Billard