CWA YOUTH HUNTER CAMP FAQ'S

Camp Activity Matrix

 

Activities

Camp

Date

Days 

Age

Cost

Hunter
Education

Shooting

Archery

Fishing

Duck Banding

Hunting Skills

Hunting

Mystic Lake

March 16-17

2

10-16

$150

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Rancho Esquon

May

2.5

10-16

$200

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Grizzly Ranch

June 21-23

2.5

10-16

$200

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Mandeville Beginner

July 12-14

2.5

10-16

$200

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Mandeville Skills Camp

July 19-21

2.5

11-16

$200

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Black Point

Sept.

2

10-16

$150

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Grizzly Ranch

Sept 21-22

2

10-16

$150

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Bird Haven

Nov.

2.5

11-15

$250

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Disclaimer:  Weather and other factors beyond our control may cause us to delete items like fishing and duck banding.  CWA reserves the right to delete these items without prior notice to attendees.

 

What is the goal of California Waterfowl Hunter Camps?

The goal is to prepare youths for a lifetime of outdoor experiences in a unique and exciting way. We do this by using great locations and experts in the field – staff and volunteers who enthusiastically share outdoor skills with the kids.

What age is appropriate for these camps?

The camps are designed for youth ages 10-16, please call George Oberstadt at (916) 275-0961 if your child is not within that age range on the camp date.

What safety precautions will be in place?

The camps will have shooting ranges in place with specific range safety rules defined. The kids will shoot in small groups (max 5-6) with adult safety volunteers controlling all safety aspects. Male and Female overnight chaperones are also fingerprinted.

Will my child earn a CA DFG Hunter Education certificate?

Except for the advanced camp, all overnight camps teach the certified Hunter Education course, and campers take the certification test at camp. The campers are to review chapters 1, 2, 3, and 6 of the Hunter Education manual prior to camp. We will work quickly through the Hunter Education material so we can spend as much time as possible on shooting, archery, duck calling, and all of the many great activities that are part of the program.

What's special about the Bird Haven camp?

The Bird Haven camp is deisgned to recruit new, young hunters into waterfowling. Youth with hunter safety certificates are excluded from registering. The camp includes a guided waterfowl hunt on Sunday at this premier location. An adult chaperone is required to go on the Sunday morning hunt to provide encouragement and take pictures.

What do I need to bring?

All guns, eye and ear protection, ammo, and supporting materials will be provided for your child to use. You will receive a camper handbook that includes a list of required items to bring. Remember to be prepared for any changing weather conditions.

Will my child benefit even if he/she already has the hunter education certificate?

Absolutely! You can never be "too safe," and taking a refresher can be especially helpful for kids. We also teach the material in some unique ways with hands-on activities like egg-salvage, duck banding, shooting, and archery to support the learning process. Our philosophy is based on retaining 10% of what you hear, 20% of what you see and 60% of what you do.

I also encourage kids with hunting licenses to attend an advanced camp or the California Waterfowl shooting or waterfowl hunting clinics.