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| Youth
Projects |
Federation Stands Tall in Governor's Youth Program
[May 7, 2002] - By Chris Lawrence
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| The Governor's Youth Challenge winners and their guides from the West
Virginia BASS Federation Friday May 3, 2002 at Stonewall Jackson Lake. |
Stonewall Jackson Lake didn't appear promising for the eight-youngsters that were paired with a member of the West
Virginia Bass Federation. Donning life jackets and oversized rain gear, those elite youngsters who'd earned as
spot in the Governor's Spring Turkey Challenge prepared for a day on the water.
Trouble was the lake was high and the water milky to muddy. No matter, a bad day fishing beats going to school.
These youth however, don't miss class much unless it's for a good reason. The youngsters won a spot in the second
annual program by penning an essay on the "Economic Impact of Hunting in West Virginia." The requirement
to write for the weekend weeded out all non-hackers up front.
The youngsters were treated to two days of spring gobbler hunting, guided by members of the West Virginia Chapter
of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The event also included a six-hour bass-fishing trip with members of the
West Virginia Bass Federation. State coordinators with the DNR and the Department of Tourism insured it was an
instructional and educational experience with many programs aimed at helping children understand biology, game
and fish management, and why they are blessed with so many ample hunting and fishing opportunities in West Virginia.
"I thought it was just a sport." Says St. Albans High School Student Ashley Thompson, "But I found
out through my research just how much money it means to the state."
Thompson is no stranger to the outdoors. In her young life she's killed six deer, including a seven point buck,
a 22-pound gobbler, a fox, quail, pheasants and a host of other game. Her bass fishing experience for the weekend
wasn't quite as lucrative-losing a big fish, but she was one of the three participants to bag a turkey during the
hunt.
Jordan Tyler of Cross Lanes may have the biggest story to tell from the weekend. Tyler scored a gobbler on his
Friday morning hunt with the Turkey Federation and was paired with Federation Angler Jim Matuga for the afternoon.
"I'd fished before, but I'd never caught anything using plastic baits." Says the obviously overwhelmed
Tyler. "My guide (Matuga) told me to just take the little plug (tube) and barely jig it off the bottom and
well
IT WORKED!"
Jordan caught three bass, two of them just over three-pounds and one of them just shy of five-pounds.
"I thought I was snagged until it started pulling back!" Says Jordan; "My friends back home are
never going to believe me."
However, they will believe him-whether they admit to it or not-and that's the point. Spreading the gospel of hunting
and fishing among the nation's youth is the future of the outdoors.
"It's like throwing a rock into a pond." Says DNR Wildlife Section Chief Curtis Taylor; "Those concentric
rings from this weekend will spread to kids all over the state."
Governor Bob Wise, who originated the program during the first year of his administration, could not attend the
festivities due to flooding in southern West Virginia that called him away. DNR Director Ed Hamrick delivered the
governor's regrets, but assured the youngsters Wise would have much rather been enjoying a cookout with them.
On hand to present the awards in the Governor's place was West Virginia Commerce and Tourism Commissioner Alyssa
Bailey.
"We really believe in sustainable tourism and that means looking way down the road and bringing more tourists
into the state. There's nothing better than to get young people involved in hunting and fishing."
Bailey says the event is a great example of that.
"When they get the bug, and they like doing it, when their adults they'll come back with their pocketbooks
in hand and spend money on hunting and fishing and strengthen the tourism economy."
While youth participating in the outdoors was a key component of the entire weekend, Taylor explains a second component
is the partnership between the state and constituency groups. Taylor firmly believes the partnerships this event
forges between the DNR and Tourism and the West Virginia Bass Federation and West Virginia National Wild Turkey
Federation are an asset.
"We like to really work with these Conservation Organizations and our constituency."
He says the relationship pays off for both groups.
"A lot of parents here tonight commented on the volunteer efforts of both groups and how well they worked
with the state agencies and with the kids. It's real important for us to work together and promote a positive image
for wildlife and conservation in the state."
All members of the West Virginia Bass Federation owe a debt of gratitude to those members who volunteered their
time and boats to make this event happen. The Federation can be proud of the rank our organization has established
as a leader in fishing and in the eyes of the DNR for conservation and wildlife in West Virginia.
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| A youngster prepares for a day on the water with a member of the WVBF. |
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| A group of WVBF volunteer guides await their partners at Stonewall
Jackson Marina. |
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| Can you tell what brand of boat these guys run? (L to R) Paul Noechel,
Danny Welch, Jim Summers and Gary Sapp of the West Virginia BASS Federation. |
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| Jordan Tyler (left) of Cross Lanes recieves an award from West Virginia
Commerce and Tourism Commissioner Alyssa Bailey. |
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| (L to R) WVBF Conservation Director Jim Summers, West Virginia DNR
Director Ed Hamrick and WVBF Angler Danny Welch enjoyed a good time on Stonewall Jackson Lake. |
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| WVBF President John Burdette (right) presents rods and reels to DNR
Director Ed Hamrick and Governor Bob Wise at the Governor's Youth Challenge. |
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| Jordan Tyler of Cross Lanes caught three bass, two of them just over
three-pounds and one of them just shy of five-pounds. "I thought I was snagged until it started pulling back!"
Says Jordan; "My friends back home are never going to believe me." |
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