Contributed Article

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a free weekend workshop Sept. 19-21 for young hunters who have never hunted squirrels in Arizona. Biologists will teach hunting and firearm safety, squirrel ecology and management, species identification, how to prepare for a hunt (equipment and clothing), where to look for squirrels and how to hunt them, and how to clean and cook your squirrels.

The clinic will be held on top of Mount Graham from Friday afternoon to Sunday noon. All meals, firearms and ammunition will be provided. (Participants may bring their own firearms and ammunition if they like.) Attendance is free but limited to 15 young hunters (7-15 years old) with an adult partner. Hunters will be registered by phone or e-mail on a first-come, first served basis. Contact Aninna at 520-388-4445 or Athornburg@azgfd.gov early to reserve a spot.

Participants 14 years and older must purchase a hunting license (none required for ages 7-13).

There is no cost to young hunters because of generous contributions from the U.S. Forest Service, Safari Club International, Southeastern Arizona Sportsmen’s Club and the hunting community.