WINNIPEG, MANITOBA:  He’s a battle-scarred, wise and mature Buck. And after many years of being chased by men who are equally strong and determined, this Buck has decided to join forces with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) to preserve and enhance wildlife populations and promote the great outdoors. This is no ordinary Buck folks – he is Buck Pierce, veteran quarterback of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “Today, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation is proud to announce that Blue Bomber quarterback, Buck Pierce, has joined the MWF and will work to help spread the message of wildlife management and the wise use of our natural resources,” said MWF President, John T. Williams.  Pierce, an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoors enthusiast, said that he is delighted to lend his name to the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, and looks forward to traveling the province and meeting Manitobans who love the outdoors. “I was lucky to be able to enjoy the great traditions of hunting and fishing early on and am grateful to my parents and family who taught me to appreciate wildlife and its natural environment,” said Pierce. “As a member of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, I want to introduce families and youth to the joys of the great outdoors and invite people to join the MWF to help preserve and enhance wildlife and wild spaces.”   Buck’s first major event with the MWF will be the 2nd annual Provincial Hunting Day celebration, Saturday, September 25, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre (20 minutes north of Winnipeg on Hwy. 7). Pierce will be on hand to sign autographs and there are a variety of fun and exciting activities for the whole family, including: ×       Archery and air rifle range×       Wildlife art and photo exhibit×       Retriever dogs in action×       Sample wild game jerky and sausage ×       Enjoy traditional Métis music×       Make wildlife calls and nest boxes×       Wildlife identification seminar×       Talk to experts and learn about wildlife management×       Free admission – free parking ×       Complementary lunch for the first 500 people  The Province has proclaimed the fourth Saturday in September as Provincial Hunting Day in Manitoba to celebrate the role hunting plays in wildlife management and conservation. Conservation Minister, Bill Blaikie, will be on hand to officially launch the Provincial Hunting Day event and many other elected officials and VIPs are expected to attend. MWF President Williams is encouraged that the Province of Manitoba and the vast majority of citizens understand the important role hunters play in wildlife management. “Hunting is part of our natural heritage and Provincial Hunting Day helps to ensure this rich tradition continues,” said Williams. “Hunting is the foundation of wildlife management and ensures sustainable populations of game for the benefit of future generations. World-wide, the biggest supporters and donors of wildlife and natural habitat conservation programs are hunters and anglers,” added Williams. The Provincial Hunting Day celebration is organized by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and their partners; Manitoba Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters Association, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and the Manitoba Métis Federation. Youth are encouraged to pair up with a licensed adult hunter using one of the special low-cost licences that are available for youth. Youth hunters between the ages of 12 and 17 who have successfully completed the Manitoba Hunter Education Course or a similar course from another province are eligible to participate using shared bag limits or separate bag limits, special youth hunting licences or mentored hunting. The Hunter Education program is operated by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and is now available online at www.hunterexam.com/canada/manitoba. Established in 1944, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation is the province’s oldest and largest conservation organization boasting over 14,000 members in 110 affiliate groups. The mandate of the MWF is to maintain abundant, healthy fish and wildlife populations and preserve natural habitat through the MWF Habitat Foundation. 

For more information on the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and Provincial Hunting Day, visit: www.mwf.mb.ca or call 204.633.5967. -30- Contact: John T. WilliamsPresident, Manitoba Wildlife Federation
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