McKie Campbell, Commissioner
Public Communications
P.O. Box 25526
Juneau, Alaska 99802-5526
Phone (907) 465-6166, Fax (907) 465-2332

Press Release, No. 05-038: September 6, 2005

Contact: Bruce Bartley, Information Officer, (907) 267-2269 or Cathie Harms, Information Officer, (907) 459-7231

ADF&G Announces First-Ever “Youth Day at the Range”
Free Firearm Practice and Safety Briefings - Free Hot Dogs - Free Gun Locks

(Juneau) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) invites young Alaskans to celebrate “Take a Young Person Hunting Week” by attending ADF&G’s first-ever “Youth Day at the Range” on Sunday, September 18.

On this day, youth between the ages of 10 and 17 who are accompanied by adults will be able to practice their firearm skills for free between 1 and 4 p.m. at ADF&G’s shooting ranges in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. In Fairbanks, the electronic shooting system (E-Range) will also be open for youth, ages 8 to 17.

ADF&G employees will be on hand to provide instruction and information on safe firearm handling. Gun locks will be handed out for free. Hunting heritage and conservation information will also be available.

September 12-19 has been declared by Governor Frank Murkowski as this year’s “Take a Young Person Hunting Week.” In his proclamation, the Governor encourages all experienced hunters to mentor young Alaskans in safe and ethical participation in our hunting tradition.

“Hunting is a respected, traditional outdoor activity that remains a substantial and integral part of Alaska’s heritage, culture, and environment,” said Governor Murkowski.
“Alaskans must play an active role in promoting this activity to our youth to ensure the future of Alaska's hunting heritage.”

Private organizations and businesses are offering support through financial donations to offset the costs of admission/shooting for youth and to provide free hot-dogs:

• Anchorage sponsors include The Hunter Heritage Foundation and The National Wild Turkey Federation. For more information, please contact Jerry Soukup at (907) 267-2196.
• Fairbanks sponsors include The Alaska Interior Marksmanship Committee; The Alaska Outdoor Council and the Hunting Heritage Foundation; and Firearms Instruction Services. For more information, please contact John Wyman at (907) 452-5837.
• Juneau sponsors include Capitol Arms; The Juneau Gun Club; Super Bear Supermarket; The Territorial Sportsmen, Inc.; Rayco Sales; and Western Auto-Marine Sales. For more information, please contact Frank Zmuda at (907) 586-4101.

“Without these sponsors, this event would not be possible. On behalf of ADF&G, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the sponsors for their support of ADF&G and Alaska’s hunting youth,” said ADF&G Commissioner McKie Campbell. “By working together, we can ensure that our efforts to recruit and retain a future generation of hunters are successful.”

Additional information on Hunter Education and Alaska’s shooting ranges is available at: www.huntereducation.alaska.gov

###