Mentor Program

Volunteer instructors are the lifeblood of the Nebraska Hunter Education Program. Each year, these men and women generously give of time and talent to instill values, ethics, and knowledge upon our future hunters.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are eager to pursue various aspects of the sport of hunting. If however they are not introduced at this critical age, their eagerness is usually funneled toward other organized sports such as football, basketball, etc. Hunting is a sport they can pursue throughout their entire life.

Instructors who mentor a youth while hunting can fill out a provided post card form and return to NGPC prior to the hunt. This allows the NGPC to provide insurance coverage for the instructor as well as document such activities.

Youth Mentored Archery Deer Hunting Program

Pheasants Forever Youth Mentored Pheasant Hunting Program

Perhaps many of us were initiated as hunters on a frozen farm field, walking over corn stubble with shotgun in hand while a bird dog anxiously worked the cover in front of us. You will never forget the sight of the point, the bursting of feathers as the birds erupt from cover, the cackle of the rooster, the sound of guns firing and the feeling you had after your first hunt. Like you, we feel that every child should have the opportunity to experience that same enjoyment.

The NGPC administers the Youth Mentored Pheasant Hunting Program with the Nebraska Pheasants Forever Chapters across the state. Each year, several hundred youth Hunter Education Graduates take part in a day of workshops and hunting sponsored by local pheasant forever chapters.

A typical youth hunt day will include many workshops. First, youth may start with a session under one of Nebraska's dedicated field biologists learning the science behind hunting, wildlife management, about the game they will pursue, and about the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Youth may then break into groups where information on dog handling, gun handling, gun cleaning, and other valuable skills will be learned. These prepare the youth for the excitement that is yet to come.

Most sessions will include live firing at the trap range to help prepare youth for the coming hunt. This allows instructors to address the shooting form and capabilities of the youth prior to the hunt.

The hunt is the highlight of the day where youth, under the watchful eye of a qualified mentor. Workshops include dog handling, bird cleaning, clay target shooting, wildlife management, firearm safety, and, of course, the actual hunt, where youth roam the fields under the supervision of a mentor.

Cost: $286 Covers meals, lodging and camp activities. Payment required at time of registration.
Register before: April 1, 2008 - $260
Register by: June 2, 2008. Mail check and completed form to: Nebraska State 4H Camp, PO BOX 87, Halsey, NE 69142-0087; Phone 308-533-2224 / Fax 308-533-2228
Cancellation: If necessary, a cancellation must be received by June 2, 2008. Cancellations subject to a $25 processing fee.

July 7 - 11, 2008
Eastern Nebraska 4H Camp near Gretna, NE; arrive by 10 a.m. on the 7th and depart at approximately 3 p.m. on the 11th.

Cost: $264 Covers meals, lodging and camp activities. Payment required at time of registration.
Register by: June 23, 2008. Mail completed form to: Eastern Nebraska 4H Camp, 21520 W. HWY 31, Gretna, NE 68028-7264; Phone 402-332-4496 / Fax 402-332-2580
Cancellation: If necessary, a cancellation must be received by June 23, 2008. Cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee.

Other Information

All camp participants must be pre-registered. A letter confirming your registration will be sent after the registration is processed. Campers who want to be cabin mates must send their registration together.