News Releases

FWC, Ducks Unlimited offer free duck hunting workshop in Palm Bay

News Release

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Media contact: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Ducks Unlimited are holding a free waterfowl hunting workshop on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Palm Bay to help open up the world of duck hunting to newcomers to the state, or anyone else interested in the sport.

Waterfowl hunting may be one of Florida's best kept secrets. Wetlands cover vast expanses of the state, and much of this habitat is open and available to the public for duck hunting. With more than 20 species of migratory ducks that winter here and a hunter harvest-success rate that is nearly double the national average, Florida is simply a great place to hunt ducks.

The popular workshop will cover all the basics and more: hunting ethics, waterfowl identification, rules and regulations, places to hunt, decoys and patterns, shotguns and ammunition, boats and motors, clothing and camouflage.

Instructors for the workshop are FWC waterfowl biologist Jamie Feddersen and Florida Ducks Unlimited Conservation Chairman Capt. Jeff Kraynik.

"We're really excited about doing this workshop," Feddersen said. "It's a great opportunity for beginning duck hunters to learn from folks who have a bit more experience."

The workshop will be at Palm Bay Police Department Firearms Training Center, 620 Hurley Road SW, Palm Bay. For more information, call Feddersen at 321-726-2862 or Kraynik at 321-863-9182.