Dave Atamanchuk has no problem getting his own kids outside.
But the Humboldt conservation specialist knows that a lot of kids in Humboldt and area don’t get that opportunity. This was the goal for Ducks Unlimited’s Greenwing Day on Aug. 25.
“This is the next generation ... a lot of them don’t get to experience the outdoors; shooting, airboat rides, and learning about the conservation work that we do.”
In Saskatchewan there are 1.8 million acres of protected wetlands and 2,600 conservation areas. When it comes to teaching kids about the importance of these systems, “It is invaluable,” said Atamanchuk.
Kids were taken to five stations around the gun range along Highway 20.
Along with rides on Atamanchuk’s airboat, other stations included critter dipping in Humboldt Lake; gun safety, which including air rifles, .22 calibre rifles; an introduction to archery, a Humboldt Fire Department demonstration; and bird box building. Atamanchuk says they try to mix it up every year but still strive to have meaningful stations for the kids to explore.
“Getting on the airboat and getting them to see the water, to see the birds, see the wetlands, then when you talk about it ... they understand why they need it.”
During critter dipping, the kids were up close and personal with the ducks’ food source and the many little pieces of the food chain puzzle. With bird boxes, they got the chance to create their own habitat and take it home with them, said Atamanchuk.
For the gun safety portion, retired conservation officer Karl Breker and RCMP officer James Richardson showed kids proper use of the .22 calibre rifle.
“Especially in Saskatchewan with everybody hunting, farmers getting there, having the kids know how to properly handle a firearm will hopefully save any gun accidents in the future,” said Richardson.
Archery was something new for the kids to try. With bow hunting becoming more popular, Heather Nakaska, marketing manager of Cabela’s in Saskatoon, was happy to bring her archery set to Greenwing and provide a safe and fun introduction for the kids.
“At Cabela’s, we are a lot about hunting and fishing but also about the shooting and archery as sport. Just encouraging families to try that,” she said.
Unlike birds, who just need food and shelter, humans need protection, which is where Humboldt Fire Department comes in, says Atamanchuk.
Fire chief Mike Kwasnica, showed the kids the different equipment used for bush and wildfires.
Kids got to look at the traditional large tanker for structural fires but also the small Kubota, which is a tracked vehicle for off road fires and rescues.
“We can take this anywhere, winter or summer. We will do ATV rescues and any type of medical assist that we need to do. We do have a stretcher on board and a seat for the EMT in the back, as well as RCMP who will assist with search and rescues,” he said.
With the help of deputy fire chief Darryl Wickenhauser, kids got to shoot small targets with the two different fire hoses.
Times have changed from when Atamanchuk was a boy, when gun use and hunting were a daily occurence. This is why Greenwing was a much-needed day in the country for a lot of the kids.
“A lot of kids won’t experience that except for here...you look at the smiles on other kids’ faces; they’ve never done it. It’s great to let more [kids] experience that.”
Eighty-five kids participated in Greenwing Day; a little less than half of these were girls. Getting girls involved was an important part of the day for Atamanchuk, whose daughter, Morgan, was also an organizer for the day. At 13, she is already an avid hunter and shooter. Seeing girls like Morgan getting involved in hunting should be up to them, said Atamanchuk.
“It’s invaluable to let them know, you don’t have to say no, you don’t have to have someone tell you no if you want to fish, if you want to hunt.”
Greenwing Day had over 60 sponsors and many volunteers. Without them, said Atamanchuk, the day isn’t going to be a success.
“The volunteers are one of the biggest things to make sure we got enough to look after the kids’ safety and make sure everything runs smoothly,” he said.
