The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Fish & Wildlife Department is seeking submissions for its first-ever “Youth Hunting Memories Contest.”

Bagged game is not a requirement. A photo isn’t even a requirement. Fish & Wildlife is looking for short essays, stories, poems, art or pictures from young hunters describing their time while hunting. Each youth may submit only one story, and it can be from any hunting experience in Vermont. The top fourteen entries from youths will win a Beagle Outdoor Wear fanny pack, fish and wildlife hat and the state’s Guide to the Wildlife Management Areas of Vermont.

The contest is open to youth younger than 16, and submissions must be received by 4:30 p.m. December 15, 2007. Entries will be judged by George Crombie, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary, and Wayne Laroche, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner.

“The future of hunting in Vermont is with our children. This contest will showcase the experiences of Vermont’s youth hunters,” said George Crombie. “I’m anxious to read their stories about spending quality time outdoors with their family and taking part in a cultural tradition that dates back to when Vermont’s hillsides were first settled.”

Young hunters are encouraged to send in photographs with their story. Submissions will not be returned, and the agency reserves the right to publish photos or stories that it wishes. Currently, the Fish & Wildlife Department publishes pictures and stories of youth hunters on its web site (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). Submissions must include: hunter’s first and last name, postal mailing address, age, telephone number, and location of hunt.

Email submissions to Ann.Shangraw@state.vt.us or mail to:

2007 Youth Hunting Memories Contest
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
103 South Main St., Bldg 10 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0501