Four youth hunters receive state conservation awards, including one from Prairieville

Blaize Coco of Prairieville was among the four youth hunters honored during the 58th Conservation Achievement awards.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries teamed up to present the awards for the first time since 2019, according to a news release.

The judges selected two boys and two girls who represented the joy, thrill, camaraderie and beauty of hunting in the state known as Sportsman's Paradise, per the announcement.

Each recipient received a plaque and a $100 gift card from Bowie Outfitters.

The female youth hunters of the year were 10-year Lizzy Frey of St. Gabriel and 10-year-old Paisleigh Stephenson of Rayville.

Along with Coco, 13-year-old Drew Dubuc of Metairie was recognized as a male youth hunter of the year.

Contest sponsors included the Baton Rouge Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Andrew J. Harrison Jr. of Harrison Law, LLC and Bowie Outfitters of Baton Rouge.

The LWF dates back to 1940 and is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization that has more than 10,000 members and 21 affiliate groups.