AIM-COMM

With support from Jantz Associates, Frontier Plumbing Supply, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Westmark Hotels, LaserShot™, and AutoTrim Design.

“… working together to help preserve and promote our heritage of hunting, shooting, and wildlife conservation.”

PROJECT: 
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) Hunting Heritage Center (HHC)

DESCRIPTION:
The Hunting Heritage Center is a 20-foot, tow-behind, enclosed trailer equipped with two LaserShot™ electronic shooting systems that feature dozens of shooting simulations. The HHC is designed for multi-purpose training, education and electronic shooting, as well as storage, transport, and use of equipment for events related to hunting, shooting, and wildlife conservation. The trailer, the two electronic shooting systems, accessories and configuration were obtained for approximately $31,000 and NWTF donated much volunteer time and labor to set the trailer up for use.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Hunting Heritage Center is to preserve and promote hunting, shooting, and wildlife conservation with an emphasis on youth outreach and education.

HISTORY:
In summer 2006, Merle Jantz, the president of the Fairbanks, Alaska, Arctic Spurs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, met with Cathie Harms and John Wyman from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game Division of Wildlife Conservation to discuss possible projects that NWTF could help support that would serve to promote safe and responsible hunting, shooting, and wildlife conservation in Alaska. ADF&G presented information on several ideas and projects. Jantz and his committee decided to pursue one related to a mobile firearm and shooting training trailer concept that ADF&G had previously drafted, which was modeled after similar programs in other states.

Since Alaska is not home to wild turkeys (of the feathered variety) the NWTF in Alaska focuses on support of projects that promote our hunting heritage, teach about wildlife and safe and ethical hunting practices, and that promote conservation and outdoor lifestyles. NWTF (national and state offices) donated $15,000 towards the project and Jantz secured corporate sponsorships from Fairbanks businesses, Jantz Associates, Frontier Plumbing Supply, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Westmark Hotels, to raise another $16,000 for the project. LaserShot™ and AutoTrim Design provided in-kind donations for equipment and services. Jantz worked with ADF&G and his committee to obtain, equip, and configure the trailer.

NWTF officially donated the Hunting Heritage Center to ADF&G at the NWTF Arctic Spurs Chapter Banquet at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Doug Larsen, Director for the ADF&G Division of Wildlife Conservation, was on hand to accept the donation on behalf of the department. The official public debut of the HHC followed shortly thereafter, when it was setup at the Fairbanks Carlson Center for the Annual Outdoor Show April 18-20. Thousands of show attendees stopped by the HHC, with hundreds of community members spending some time shooting on the electronic shooting systems and learning about firearms safety, marksmanship, and hunter education. Many volunteers helped operate the HHC at the show.

ADF&G, NWTF and other supporting organizations and individuals look forward to a continuing partnership to develop and implement the Hunting Heritage Center program. ADF&G established a working committee to help guide and plan for future operations of the HHC. AIM-COMM has a standing position on the HHC committee.

Members of the Hunting Heritage Center Committee include:

• Phil Evans, AIM-COMM Representative
• Stephani Hillen, Member-at-Large
• Bob Hunter, ADF&G Hunter Information and Training Program
• Merle Jantz, NWTF Representative
• Steve Lanford, Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor
• Dean Owen, NWTF Representative
• Barry Whitehill, Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor
• John Wyman, ADF&G Division of Wildlife Conservation

For more information about the Hunting Heritage Center contact John Wyman by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 907-459-7292.