Covington, GA– Spring Semester for the Academics Afield Program at the University of Georgia launched without a hitch wrapping up the 2021 Waterfowl Season. GWF staff and UGA’s new Academics Afield Coordinator Cody Ellis led six novice hunters, three volunteer mentors, and two phenomenal retrievers to make up the community hunting event. It was a rainy day wading through the flooded tupelo swamps at the Alcovy Conservation Center leading to a challenging yet successful adventure!
The Academics Afield Program focuses on creating a collegiate hunting experience. The volunteer student mentors guide the student participants. The program structure enables group learning, community resources, and follow up opportunities. Participant Samuel Robinson says it best, “I was already aware of the positive conservation impacts of hunting but it was so nice to find a group of students who enjoyed hunting and were as interested in it as I was!”
The students had hands-on demonstrations of field dressing their harvests and were provided guidance on food preparation or preservation. Participant Emily Wolfe says, “I’m excited to go waterfowl hunting in the future, and looking forward to my next duck.” The Academics Afield Program hosts at least two events a semester providing a continuous experience and opportunities for skill development in hunting, shooting sports, and wildlife conservation.
The Georgia R3 Initiative is a cooperative effort between Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Deer Association, and Safari Club International.
Georgia R3 Initiative: https://gwf.org/r3/
Press Release (.pdf): https://gwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/UGAWaterfowlFinal.pdf
Photo: https://gwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021Waterfowl.jpg
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About Georgia Wildlife Federation
Georgia Wildlife Federation was founded as a sportsman’s organization in 1936 and is Georgia’s oldest conservation organization. Today, members include hunters, anglers, bird watchers, hikers, educators, and all Georgians who are interested in preserving our natural resources and outdoor heritage.
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