DATE:    12/16/02
CONTACT: Rick Willey (864) 656-3090
Editor:  susan Bedingfield, (864) 656-3876; sbeding@clemson.edu

Clemson 4-H Shooting Sports event 
sponsored by International Paper  
         
	CLEMSON   Thanks to the generosity of International Paper, 
Clemson Extension 4-H'ers from across the state spent a fun-filled day 
in Eastover participating in a youth deer hunt. 
	Clemson University's 4-H Shooting Sports recently held the 
event on International Paper land. The youths ranged from 7 to 14 years
 of age.
	"International Paper teaches kids about sustainable forestry 
and hunting safety," said Rick Willey, state coordinator of the Clemson 
Extension 4-H Shooting Sports. "Through hands-on activities, the 
4-H'ers learned about game recovery, hunter safety, gun safety, stand 
safety, ethics, responsibility, respect and proper shooting." 
	After the training session, everyone participated in the deer 
hunt. An adult accompanied each youth, who was in a deer stand.
	"It is important that our children understand the importance of 
proper forest management. International Paper practices sustainable 
forestry to ensure that others can benefit from healthy forests in the 
future," said Sean Bennett, Forest Operations team leader with 
International Paper.
	International Paper controls about 10 million acres of forest 
in the United States, 1.5 million in Brazil and owns interest in 
820,000 acres in New Zealand.  The company often provides recreational 
opportunities for organizations while practicing and promoting 
sustainable forestry on its forestlands. 
	"The most memorable experience for me was seeing the 4-H'ers 
exchange phone numbers at the end of the hunt," said Willey. "This is 
truly an experience they will not soon forget. Many life-long 
friendships will begin here. I want to thank International Paper for 
making this event possible."
	For more information on Clemson Extension 4-H Shooting Sports 
or other Extension 4-H programs, contact the Clemson Extension office 
in your county.

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