Successful annual youth waterfowl hunt conducted
The annual youth waterfowl hunt in Southern Illinois had a good turnout this year.
“Last year, for the first year when I took over, we only had 45 kids,” said Gene Morgan of Murphysboro, the coordinator of the youth hunt. “It was about to die. We have 104 hunters this year.”
Prior to the hunt, the young people who were going to participate were treated to a banquet at the Great Boars of Fire Restaurant located between Cobden and Anna Tuesday, Dec. 27.
The youth hunt was held the following day, Wednesday, Dec. 28.
The youth hunters participated in waterfowl hunting at the Union County and Alexander County conservation areas, as well as at 12 private clubs located throughout Southern Illinois. The youth hunted in Alexander, Jackson, Union and Williamson counties.
“It’s a combination of private and public hunts,” Morgan said. “Twelve private clubs are involved as well.”
At the banquet, the young people were treated to a meal and plenty of giveaways, including 11 shotguns which were raffled off from various donors. Last year, only one shotgun was raffled.
Other giveaways included waterfowl calls, fillet knifes, Frisbees and hats provided by various sponsors. Each young person received a hat from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, commemorating the 2011 event.
“We’ve got unbelievable sponsors,” Morgan said. “We’ve had a lot of help with this.”
Morgan said public hunting permits for the state controlled areas were obtained through IDNR in September.
Conservation Officer Steve Vasicek, who serves in Union County gave a safety talk for the young people.
IDNR director Marc Miller and IDNR assistant director Travis Lloyd gave brief talks.
Demonstrations on duck and goose calling were presented and videos about Ducks Unlimited were shown to the young hunters.
The banquet was concluded by Pastor Alan Rhein of the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale with a prayer for hunter safety for the next day’s hunt for the youth.
The youth waterfowl hunt is not the only youth organization Morgan is involved with. He’s also in charge of the Muddy Kids Project as well. This program helps youth identify various wild animals and waterfowl.
“I enjoy this,” Morgan said. “This is what I’ve done all my life.”
A retired school teacher, Morgan has been involved with various youth programs he began during his high school teaching career. Morgan was assisted at the banquet by several volunteers as well as his wife, Tanna.