October 5, 2009
LANSING - Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. today announced winners of the 2009 Lieutenant Governor's trophy for youth hunters, otherwise known as a hunt pole or buck pole. The hunt pole ceremony wrapped up the youth hunting weekend September 26-27.
"My goal is to encourage more youth to become active in the outdoors while learning to be good stewards of Michigan's environment," said Lieutenant Governor Cherry. "Hunting is a proud tradition for many families in Michigan, because it challenges individuals to perform at their best while appreciating Michigan's forests and wildlife."
Tony Hazel, age 13 of Davison, took first place honors in the 14-and-under division, with a 166 pound, eight-point buck, and Steve Estes, age 15 of Mt. Morris, claimed first place in the 16-and-under division with a 144 pound, eight-point buck. Hazel and Estes were just two of 26 participants in Safari Club International's Flint Chapter Youth Hunt Pole at Madden's Lounge in Davison. The participants ranged in age from 12 to 16 years, including four female participants.
Safari Club International, the event sponsor, is an organization that promotes wildlife conservation worldwide while protecting the freedom to hunt.
"We wanted to give our young hunters an opportunity to not only participate in the youth hunting weekend but to also show off their deer and share hunting stories," said Craig Taylor, Flint chapter president.
Lieutenant Governor Cherry, an avid outdoorsman, is a member of Safari Club International and is partnering with them to make this an annual event. The lieutenant governor has a long history of supporting youth hunter safety courses. He began hunting with his father at a young age and enjoys hunting small game and pheasants.
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