If you want to learn to hunt, the Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt is a great place to start.  This #WYHUNTFISH – Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt is a mentoring program put on by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and the First Hunt Foundation (FHF).  The deadline to apply is April 30.

This program is ideal for youths and adults who want to learn basic hunting skills. It’s a perfect chance for a parent and child to learn a new outdoor activity together.  Or, maybe you have never had the opportunity to learn to hunt and always wanted to.  Either way, this program will take through all the steps of applying for a license, practicing safe handling of firearms and preparing for your first big game hunt.

The #WYHUNTFISH is a branded concept between WGFD and FHF to bring a set of guidelines for best practices to engage and to teach first-time hunters, according to Fred Williams, Wyoming State Director of the First Hunt Foundation.

“It’s all about changing people’s lives for the better,” Williams said. “It’s about the whole experience of teaching lifetime skills and helping people develop a new passion for the outdoors.”

Brian and Patty Mann are co-chairs of the #WYHUNTFISH – Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt who are volunteering their time to help bring in a new crop of people who can appreciate the skill of hunting and the outdoors.  They are also certified by WGFD as hunter head instructors; Brian enjoys helping people learn the whole process, from finding the drawing pods for the hunting area you in and when you have to apply for a license.

“The opportunity to work with people and teach them something new that they don’t know how to do and have them go through the entire process,” Brian said.

The #WYHUNTFISH – Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt is based in Cheyenne but, this is not the only #WYHUNTFISH event that the WGFD and FHF have going on in Wyoming; go to https://firsthuntfoundation.org/wyoming-2/ to see all they have to offer.

Here is the release from WGFD news with the list of dates and requirements to participate in the #WYHUNTFISH – Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt:

Are you interested in learning to hunt, but don’t know where to start?  Then consider applying for the mentored Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt.

#WYHUNTFISH – Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt is a mentored program that teaches youth and adults basic hunting skills that will be put to use at a doe pronghorn antelope hunt on private ranches west of Cheyenne in the fall of 2021.

Through structured learning and the support of qualified mentors, participants will learn the skills needed to feel safe and supported in their first big game hunt.  Participants will begin their journey learning how and when to apply for a license, then continuing on to practicing safe handling of firearms at a range day on Saturday, July 10 or Sunday, July 11 at the Laramie County Shooting Complex near Cheyenne.

A simulated hunt with live fire will be held on Saturday, Aug. 14 or Sunday Aug. 15, at a location to be determined.  The program will culminate with a pronghorn hunt on a private ranch near Cheyenne in October.

#WYHUNTFISH – Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt is a collaborative partnership between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the First Hunt Foundation, as well as a group of private ranches. This year, SOS Well Services is a hunt sponsor and supports the program through donations.

Accepted participants must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course and obtain a Hunter Education Certificate prior to October 1, 2021. Other requirements are as follows:

  • Youth must be 12 years of age on or prior to Dec. 31, 2021 to apply.
  • Hunter applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Hunters must sign required waivers (parent/legal guardian or designated chaperone will also be required to sign).
  • Hunters must abide by all Wyoming Game and Fish rules and laws while involved in program activities.
  • All participants must sign a photo release unless otherwise agreed for photos taken while participating for the purpose of social media and publications utilized by program organizers and sponsors.
  • Hunters will work with their mentor to enter the license draw process and must be successful in drawing the license to be able to hunt. If a hunter is unsuccessful in the license draw they will still be able to participate in all activities except the actual hunt. The entry deadline to enter the draw will be May 31. The drawing odds will be around 86%.
  • The hunter is responsible for the cost of the hunting license and conservation stamp (required), as well as providing transportation to all events.
  • Since this program is designed for novice hunters, firearms, ammunition, and blaze orange safety clothing will be available for participants to borrow. Hunters who choose to use their own firearms are responsible for supplying appropriate ammunition for harvesting a pronghorn antelope.
  • Accepted participants must attend the two program training sessions prior to hunting (unless prior arrangements are made with your mentor): 1. A range day at the Laramie County Shooting complex just East of Cheyenne on either Saturday July 10 or Sunday July 11. 2. A simulated hunt, location to be determined (near Cheyenne) on Saturday Aug. 21 or Sunday Aug. 22.

The program is limited to 20 hunters and the deadline to apply is April 30. To apply, visit https://firsthuntfoundation.org/wyoming-2/  For more information, contact Brian Mann: mrmann0725@aol.com or at (307) 223-7146.