Devin Fester (2nd from Left), Carol Roe, Game Commission E.D., Thomas Boop, President of Board, Philip Luckenbaugh, Education Division

Devin D. Fester, of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, is headed for summer school and, unlike most youngsters facing that task, he just can't wait to get started. Fester, 16, is the grand-prize winner of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2006 Youth Hunter Education Essay Contest.

Fester’s essay is available online.

As the top entry, Fester was awarded a scholarship to the Safari Club International's Apprentice Hunter Camp at the Indianhead Ranch in Del Rio, Texas. Safari Club International Region 25 (Pa. chapters) donated the grand prize.

First prize honors went to Andrew M. Straw, 16, of Curwensville, Clearfield County. He will receive a .50 caliber Traditions muzzleloading rifle.

Finishing second through fourth place were: Chase J. Miller, 13, Berlin, Somerset County, who was awarded a Garmen etrex GPS; Benjamin L. Sell, 14, Coopersburg, Lehigh County, who was awarded a limited-edition Buck Knife; and Jason R. Pollock, 15, Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County, who was awarded a Sightron 10x42 binoculars.

First through fourth place prizes were donated by: Traditions, Grice Gun Shop of Clearfield, Buck Knives and Sightron, respectively.

The theme for the 2006 contest was: "What will hunting be like in the future?"

Every contest entrant received a Game Commission "Working Together for Wildlife" embroidered patch. Winners were recognized at the January meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners in Harrisburg.

The Essay Contest is open to youngsters who are Pennsylvania residents, have successfully completed a hunter-trapper education course and possess a current hunting or furtaking license.

Details for the 2007 Essay Contest will be included in the 2007-08 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, a future edition of Pennsylvania Game News magazine and on the Game Commission’s website.

3/23/2007