FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Next Generation of Sportsmen and Women:

It would appear from all statistical indicators we have heard over the past several years that we are losing our younger generation from shooting, archery, and fishing sports. The problems are deep seated and there are no easy answers or fixes. Many of our young people have no father at home and many of the mothers are working and struggling just to make ends meet, with no time or inclination to encourage their children to carry a gun, bow or fishing rod. Licenses are expensive once a teenager reaches 16-yrs. old, and if given the choice between buying the newest Game boy offering or spending $40.00 or $50.00 on a license ( with nobody to take them fishing or hunting) it is obvious what there are going to do. Somehow we have to find a way to improve in this area, for I believe that getting the youngster involved before they are 16 is the best way of keeping them off illegal substances and off our streets.

One possible answer would be for us to start offering to take youngsters out with us on occasion when we are planning an outing. Take the time to show appreciation for the beautiful state an nation we live in and share that appreciation with an inquisitive adolescent. I recently took a couple of young boys on a fishing trip with me. They brought spin-fishing equipment and I brought my fly rod. They were fascinated by the activity and numbers of fish I was able to catch (and release) and both asked for some one-on-one time with the rod. It slowed down my fishing for a while, but can you think up a better way to spend your evening?

The Androscoggin Valley Fish & Game Association has some real interesting activities to offer the young people in our communities. We have boats on several rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes in the North Country: we have an exceptionally well equipped facility on East Milan RD. with rifle range, trap range and archery range to utilize and a range-house for your comfort and during sanctioned events: and we have a pond out on Jericho Rd. behind the old Converse (and Bass) Shoe manufacturing facility for younger children to fish and enjoy.

Somehow we have to reach out and encourage the parents to bring their youngsters out to try these sporting opportunities, and also let the young people see how much fun it can be to sight in a gun or have target practice or catch one of those beautiful trout in the pond.

The most important thing coming up over the next month or two would be the Hunter Education Program scheduled for September 7, 8 & 9. Please read the Hunter Education information given later in the newsletter. If you know any child (or adult) male or female, who might be interested in learning how to read a map and compass, or who might desire ti try sighting in a gun or game-hunting as a sport, bring them out to the range on one of the evenings that is open and encourage them to try something they haven't done yet.

DAVID CANTER ~President ~ A.V.F. & G. Association