STATE HUNTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM

S.H.A.P.

KNOW A KID WHO WANTS A GOOD START IN HUNTING?

Send them to SCI’s State Hunter Apprentice Program! WHAT IS S.H.A.P.? The State Hunter Apprentice Program is a 3-day youth camp sponsored by local chapters of Safari Club International for boys and girls ages 11 to 15. In the period of a long weekend, kids can earn both their Michigan DNR Hunter Safety Certificate and International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) Certificate.

 MDNR HUNTER SAFETY This  program teaches youths about  hunter responsibility,  sportsmanship, modern  wildlife conservation, how to  identify game, familiarity with  Michigan’s hunting rules and  regulations, and most  importantly, how to hunt and  use firearms safely and responsibly. This course is mandatory for all first time Michigan hunters born after 1960, and is mandatory in most other states and provinces.

IBEP TRAINING This program instructs new hunters in such subjects as hunting ethics, safety, first aid, game scouting, stand and blind placement, proper shot placement, game recovery, bow tuning, and how to present a good image to non-hunters. This is an internationally recognized program that teaches how to hunt properly and is mandatory in many other states.

CLASSROOM & FIELD EXPERIENCE While some portions of the training are taught in a classroom setting, many are taught “hands-on” out in the field. Students will get to handle real firearms (unloaded), experience treestands, take up a simulated blood trail, and hone their skills on the pellet gun and 3-D archery ranges with experienced instructors.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Outside of the formal programs, other activities are available for the kids. A naturalist will guide them on a nature walk where they can learn about wild plants useful for emergency and survival purposes. Recreation time includes hiking, swimming, volleyball, 3-D archery or just plain relaxing. Special evening programs include guest speakers from local law enforcement and wildlife experts with live animals. Each night is capped off with a good old-fashioned campfire including stories, songs and S’mores.

FACILITIES The SHAP camp is held at the beautiful Sleeper State Park Outdoor Center located 5 miles east of Caseville near the tip of Michigan’s “thumb”. The facility provides over a dozen rustic cabins, a modern dining hall, and over 1000 wooded acres bordering Lake Huron’s scenic shoreline. Boys and girls will be lodged in separate cabins with two counselors per cabin.

REGISTRATION The cost is only $70 per student for the entire three-day weekend. It includes lodging, all meals & snacks, course instruction & materials, and special handouts.