Youth Hunter Education Camp ~ New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offering a special hunter education camp where youth can receive hands-on training and earn their hunter education certification for free.

To hunt legally in New Mexico, youths under 18 years of age must first successfully complete a hunter education course or be registered in the department’s Mentored-Youth Hunting Program.

The camp is open to youth ages 10 to 17 who are accompanied by a responsible adult, also register for the camp. It will be conducted the weekend of August 16-18, at the renowned NRA Whittington Center near Raton. Meals and lodging in canvas tents are free. Registration for this camp opportunity opens about a month ahead of time. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The department is hosting the camp in partnership with the Safari Club International Foundation.

Participants will learn safe and responsible firearms handling, ethical hunting behaviors, conservation, wildlife identification and basic survival skills. Participants will have a chance to test their marksmanship skills with .22 rifles, shotguns and archery on a range under the supervision of certified hunter education instructors and department staff.

To qualify for the camp, participants must have an online account with the department and provide their Customer Identification Number, register with an adult and complete the required homework before attending.

For more information please contact the Hunter Education Office at (505) 222-4731 or visit online to www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/.