Andersen updates recreational hunting program

  • Published
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – One of the major goals for Department of Defense installations on the island of Guam is to maintain and improve natural resources for future generations.

The Andersen Conservation Program office provides quality recreational and volunteer opportunities for the military and local community to participate in conservation, as well as enjoy and learn about our natural resources as part of our overall mission support and ecological enhancement activities.

"The Andersen Recreational Hunting Program is the safest hunting environment on Guam," said Dr. Paula Hartzell, the conservation program supervisor for the 36th Civil Engineering Squadron. "We welcome all with base access to participate in recreational hunting on Andersen AFB."

The current hunting program on base is archery only (no firearms), with knowledgeable and experienced hunters supervising hunting as Volunteer Conservation Officers (VCOs). Recreational hunters may hunt all day on weekends, or join trained VCOs after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, by appointment. The Hunter Safety Center, located in the trailer just inside the Northwest Field gate, is manned during daytime hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

"We want to encourage a diverse hunting group," Dr. Hartzell said. "We have a special Ladies Only Hunt on the 15th of each month, when we reserve a hunting area just for us ladies, to encourage female hunter participation. Groups with female participants will also get priority. Experience is not required, and we will have coaches available -- but you do have to be a permitted hunter to participate. Likewise, youth and handicap priority is also available on any hunt."

To hunt on Andersen Air Force Base, you must meet these annual requirements:
• must be 16 years or older to hunt on AAFB; those under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also permitted to hunt
• a current Guam hunting permit, and deer tags (no tags required for pigs)
• attend an annual AAFB Hunter Safety and UXO Training
• Pass an archery test and obtain an annual AAFB Hunting Permit ($20 fee) at the AAFB Hunter Safety Center
• Follow established protocol, checking in and out at the VCO Hunting Shack, carrying required equipment, etc. Safety first and always
• After Oct 1., 2018, you must have obtained a one-time national hunter safety certification
• Existing base access rights

Hunters are reminded that Andersen's first responsibility is mission preparedness; hunting on AAFB is subject to closure for safety or mission needs.

The next Hunter Safety and UXO training will be offered at the University of Guam, ALS Bldg, Rm 125a, on Thursday, June 7, 6 p.m.-8:30p.m.

Andersen’s Conservation Program will be partnering with the Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) to offer national Hunter Safety certification training later in the summer.

The Andersen Conservation Program also offers other volunteer opportunities and events. Activities this summer include the Marianas Fruit Bat Survey, beach cleanups, Archaeology Day, Earth Day, Recycle Day, Christmas Bird Count, as well as orienteering, archery, and forest restoration projects.

For more information on AAFB hunting and upcoming certification courses, please contact the 36 CES Conservation Program at 36CES.Conservation.CEVConservation@us.af.mil.