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We all know there are some interesting, uplifting and downright appealing stories of young hunters who made their mark last year in the Teche Area.

Several of the area’s youngest hunters immediately come to mind as worthy of receiving such an award – Faith Landry of Patoutville, Landon Courville of Loreauville, and Tucker Romero, Micah Hebert and Clelie Sumrall, all of New Iberia. For sure, there are more, many more, boys and girls around here who have continued the tradition of hunting passed along by generations of families and are worthy of being nominated.

If local outdoorsmen know of some youngsters who had a special hunt, or harvested their first game animal or bird, or had a hunting trip made great by sharing time outdoors with family and friends, by all means nominate them for the 2018 Youth Hunter of the Year contest held by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. It is open to all resident boys and girls ages 15 and younger.

This area deserves to have at least one, preferably two, young hunters recognized with this unique and prestigious award. Someone just has to take the time to give them a chance at statewide recognition.

To nominate someone, download the registration form on the LDWF website http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov.hunting/yhrp.

The nomination must be accompanied by a photograph and a story describing the hunt. Entries must be postmarked before March 9. Applications can be sent by mail or submitted electronically.

Nominations are being accepted for a male and a female Youth Hunter of the Year. The two winners will be recognized during the Governor’s State Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet in April.

The Male Youth Hunter of the Year and the Female Youth Hunter of the Year each will receive a plaque in recognition of his or her’s achievement and a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters.

For more information on the program and how to apply, contact John Sturgis at 948-0255 or jsturgis@wlf.la.gov or Rebecca Trich at (225) 344-6707 or Rebecca@lawildlifefed.org.

For more information on the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, go to lawildlifefed.org.

Sponsors of the contest include Baton Rouge Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, South Louisiana Branch of Quality Deer Management Association, Andrew Harrison with Harrison Law, Bowie Outfitters – Baton Rouge and Outdoor Roots.