Women's outdoor skills clinic planned

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled a clinic to introduce or enhance women's skills in hunting, fishing and outdoor survival.

The 20th annual event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 287 Westside Road, Bonners Ferry. Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, call the IDFG at 769-1414.

There is a materials fee of $10, which covers a barbecue lunch, refreshments and course supplies.

Women and girls of all ages are encouraged to attend.

The clinic has become a popular annual event, with much of the popularity attributed to the fact that all the instructors are women who already enjoy the outdoors. They are volunteering their time to teach other women who want to spend more time enjoying Idaho's fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing. The instructors have developed an effective team approach with each instructor researching and specializing in a subject area.

Some of the topics covered at the event include: fly fishing, firearm safety, outdoor survival, map and compass skills, field care of fish and game, archery, preparation for the field and map and compass use.

While fishing and hunting have often been viewed as activities that men primarily practice, more women and girls are taking up these and other outdoor activities. Female hunters comprise the fastest growing segment of outdoor recreationists.

Husbands are encouraging their wives to take up fishing and hunting so they can enjoy additional time together. Mothers are learning about the outdoors to develop an activity they can enjoy with their children. Parents are sending their daughters to hunter education classes so they can learn safe gun handling.

Julie Bryant is the IDFG conservation officer for the Calder patrol district. Julie is again organizing the event.

"Participants in past women's clinics identified the shooting range activities with bows and guns as a highlight of the workshop," she said. "We have the opportunity to shoot shotguns at clay targets and centerfire rifles at paper targets."

Also popular is the instruction in fly fishing.

"It takes practice to learn the timing that is essential to casting a fly line," Bryant said. "The no-stress setting of a women's only clinic provides a fun atmosphere for learning how."

There are only 30 spaces available. Once you are signed up, be prepared for a hands on class and a day spent almost entirely outdoors.

For more information, contact IDFG at 769-1414, Bryant at 819-1309 or Julie.bryant@idfg.idaho.gov or visit www.facebook.com/WomensOutdoorClinic.

Phil Cooper is the wildlife conservation educator at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.