The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has presented Volusia County with a Landowner of the Year award for the Youth Hunting Program of Florida. According to the FWC, the Youth Hunting Program of Florida “strives to provide quality hunting experiences for 12- to 17-year-olds to increase the number of youths involved in the tradition of hunting.”
Longleaf Pine Preserve, located in DeLand, has been recognized as a location that offers “ample hunting opportunities for youth.” Since 2021, Volusia County and the Volusia County Land Management Team have partnered with Longleaf Pine Preserve to present weekend hunts and to create a “thriving ecosystem for wildlife.” Longleaf Pine Preserve is recognized as a location, “…where youth learn about safe and responsible hunting practices while improving their skills… with many harvesting their first deer or wild hog.”
“Volusia County has been a vital partner for the Youth Hunting Program of Florida,” said Bill Cline, FWC’s section leader for hunter safety and public shooting ranges. “The hunting opportunities offered at Longleaf Pine Preserve empower our youth to become responsible stewards of conservation through safe hunting practices.”
— Volusia County Council Member Danny Robins accepts the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Youth Hunting Program’s Landowner of the Year award, on behalf of Volusia County.
