Hays Gilstrap receives the Hill-Adams Service Award from Paul Lepor, executive committee member of the National Sporting Clays Association.
Former Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner W. Hays Gilstrap, an instrumental figure in establishing Arizona’s Scholastic Clay Target Program, has been inducted into the National Sporting Clays Association Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to youth shooting sports programs.
Gilstrap was presented with the Hill-Adams Service Award at the 2006 National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame awards banquet in San Antonio, Texas, on Sept. 14.
“I’m very humbled by this honor,” says Gilstrap. “Youth programs are crucial to passing along our hunting and shooting sports heritage to future generations. A lot of people are working hard in Arizona and elsewhere to give young people more opportunity to experience the shooting sports in a safe, controlled environment.”
A life-long hunter, shooting sports enthusiast and as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission , Gilstrap was a key advocate for the commission’s decision to hire a statewide shooting sports coordinator and to fund a youth shotgun-shooting program supported by volunteers. Arizona’s Scholastic Clay Target program, based on the national model sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, began in 2004 and is administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The program teaches the shotgun-shooting sports — trap, skeet and sporting clays — to youths from fifth through 12th grade, in a competitive, team-based format.
Arizona’s program is expected to have nearly 1,000 participants this year. More than 8,000 youngsters from 41 states participated nationally last year. Youths, coaches and parents are very enthusiastic about the program, touting its emphasis on safety, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Arizona youth teams have done well at the national Scholastic Clay Target program championships the past two years, taking three first-place titles and several seconds and thirds.
The Hill-Adams Service Award was established several years ago by the National Sporting Clays Association to honor two youth coaches, Brian Hill and Dave Adams, who were killed in an automobile accident while on their way to a competition.

Winners to be honored at the Game and Fish “Meet the Commission” Banquet Jan. 20
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is pleased to announce the recipients of the 16th annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards. Over the years, the awards have honored individuals and groups that have contributed to Arizona’s wildlife resources and the mission of the department.
Individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies can be recognized for their achievements in 11 categories related to contributions to the welfare of Arizona wildlife. This year’s winners are:
Youth Environmentalist of the Year, Chad Kelliher. A student at Fort Thomas Schools, Kelliher is an active member of the Southeastern Arizona Sportsmen club and a participant in after-school shooting sports.
Outdoor Writer of the Year, Margie Anderson. Along with writing feature stories for the “Arizona Republic” Outdoor section, Anderson also contributes to 10 magazines covering a wide range of outdoor-related topics.
Media of the Year, Country Mountain Airways. Comprised of three stations, Country Mountain Airways features “Arizona Game and Fish Outdoor Minutes,” a proactive segment dedicated to developing responsible actions and behaviors towards wildlife.
Conservation Organization of the Year, Mogollon Sporting Association. In its 14 years of existence, the Mogollon Sporting Association has raised more than $400,000 to benefit wildlife populations, recreation and public outreach in the Payson area.
Outdoor Woman of the Year, Margaret Bohannan. Bohannan has been involved in public service in Arizona for more than 20 years. She has served as chair for several conservation groups, including the Arizona Heritage Alliance, Arizona Hiking and Equestrian Trail Committee and the Resource Protection Core Group.
Conservationist of the Year, Robert F. Veazey. A lifelong resident of Arizona, Veazey dedicated his life to aquatic management and conservation up to his death on Aug. 19, 2006. Volunteer contributions include Fishing for Fun fundraisers, the Ashurst Lake cleanup day, and serving as president of Anglers United.
Environmentalist of the Year, Michael J. Rusing. A civil litigator based in Tucson, Rusing has participated in numerous community and pro bono projects for Arizona Game and Fish, most notably, editing the department nuisance bear policy.
Volunteer of the Year, Tom and Tomas Taylor and Family. The Taylor family formed the Martinez Canyon Preservation Project, dedicated to the reestablishment of native fish populations in Martinez Canyon.
Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award, John and Linda Telles. Owners of the Double U Ranch in Gleason, John and Linda Telles have opened their property for outdoor user groups while providing improved habitat for wildlife.
Educator of the Year, Linda Diamantides. For the past seven years, Diamantides has specialized in teaching children and adults about natural resources through endeavors like Valley Forward, Learning Tree and Project WET.
Award of Excellence
Terry Petko and Hunt of a Lifetime, who have helped nearly 200 seriously ill youngsters go hunting over the past five years.
Clair D. Harris, a retired Flagstaff High School teacher who integrated Arizona Game and Fish volunteer projects within the science curriculum.
State Senator Toni Hellon, responsible for legislation banning deliberate feeding of wildlife.
The Peregrine Fund - Condor Recovery Program, a leader in California condor recovery efforts and research.
Beth Woodin, former Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner and honorary member of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
“The commission is pleased to honor these stewards of wildlife for their ongoing commitment to helping preserve habitat and safeguard natural resources in Arizona,” Game and Fish Commission Chairman Joe Melton said. “With partners like these, we will continue to lead the nation in environmental protection efforts that will benefit our children and generations to come.”
Award presentations will be made during the 2007 Arizona Game and Fish “Meet The Commission” Awards Banquet, to be held Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Glendale Civic Center. Each year, the evening brings together hundreds of people who share a strong and personal interest in wildlife while providing an opportunity to meet the Game and Fish Commission.
Individual tickets are $50. Tables of 10 are $480 — a discount of $20. Organization sponsorships are available for $550 and include a table in the organization’s name, a program ad and five banquet tickets for the organization. Another five tickets will be donated, in that organization’s name, to award recipients and guests.
For more information or to obtain a reservation form, visit azgfd.gov or contact Josh Avey at 789-3281.

Special Award for Jim Bulger
Jim Bulger, Hunter Outreach Program Coordinator with the Colorado Division of Wildlife has been honored with the 2006 Boone and Crockett Award. Now in its 18th year, the award is sponsored by the Boone and Crockett Club in cooperation with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for outstanding achievement in promoting and encouraging programs in outdoor ethics.
“This is a tremendous honor for Jim and a tribute to the work he has done with hunters for the last five years,” said DOW Director Bruce McCloskey, while honoring Jim at the Oct. 5th Wildlife Commission workshop in Rifle. “The DOW is thankful to have someone of Jim’s dedication working for us.”
The Hunter Outreach Program teaches novice and inexperienced hunters — of all ages — the knowledge, skills, ethics, and traditions of hunting. Through workshops and clinics, seminars, group and ‘mentored’ hunts, the program appeals to diverse interests, backgrounds, and levels of ability. It is designed to make the most of a youth’s or woman’s hunting pursuits, and to help them take the first steps toward becoming a part of our shared hunting heritage and tradition.
The program provides opportunities for Colorado’s youth hunters to participate in big game hunts , weekend waterfowl hunts, and upland bird hunts, including pheasants and turkeys. Each hunt is organized and supervised by Outreach Program certified Huntmasters and volunteers. Youth hunters are treated to an ‘experience of a lifetime’ that includes firearm safety training, field safety, hunting skills and techniques, and hunter ethics and responsibility. Youths, between the ages of 12 and 17, are eligible to participate in the program. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the youth hunter on the hunt. This is to ensure that the youth leaves the experience with family support to continue hunting in the future.
A youngster’s first hunt can be the beginning a lifelong pastime, presenting opportunities to learn about and experience the out-of-doors. The participants and mentors follow a few, basic guidelines to ensure an ethical and safe experience. All youths who have participated in a youth hunt are strongly encouraged to return for one of several “work hunts” where the participants spend the day cleaning up a State Wildlife Area or private property where a youth hunt has taken place in order to instill a sense of giving back to the resource.
Jim also heads the Women Afield program that is dedicated to teaching Colorado women the outdoor skills found in the shooting sports, hunting, and fishing. Participants begin their personal adventure by attending an educational seminar or clinic and later they ‘take to the field’ to apply new-found skills and knowledge on one of several women-only hunting or fishing adventures! The most popular are the skeet and trap shooting days and the planted-bird pheasant hunts.
In just five years since its inception, Jim Bulger has built the Hunter Outreach Program into one of the hallmark programs at the Division of Wildlife. This past year Colorado youths participated in over 1,100 hunt days including hunts for elk, deer, turkeys, pheasants, ducks and geese. In addition, hundreds of women participated in sport shooting and pheasant hunts throughout the state.
These programs owe their success to the outstanding personal effort and outdoor ethic that Jim invests in his work. Jim’s personal ethics and commitment to Colorado’s hunting heritage is contagious and has a profound affect on everyone who participates in his program. He demands nothing less from his volunteer Huntmasters and helpers.
Volunteers are essential to the Hunter Outreach Program’s mission of promoting and teaching safe, ethical, and responsible hunting to those who have never before hunted. Outdoor Ethics is the core value upon which the Hunter Outreach and Women Afield Programs were built. These programs go beyond simple skills and knowledge by developing a commitment to ethical behavior and to the future of our hunting heritage.
AFWA represents fish and wildlife professionals in the 56 states and territories, and the federal agencies of the United States. The Association also represents many provinces of Canada and Mexico. Its core functions are inter-agency coordination, legal services, international affairs, conservation and management programs, and legislation.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife-related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.

Seminars Held At National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration September 23-24 at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
Four-time West Virginia State Calling Champion Dick Clevenger will teach both turkey and deer calling during the 2006 West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, to be held at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County September 23 and 24. Clevenger, who is a popular instructor throughout the eastern states, will teach a turkey and a deer calling seminar on Saturday, and a deer seminar on Sunday.
Clevenger has participated in the Grand National Turkey Calling Championship for 17 years. He has won the West Virginia State Turkey Calling Championship four times, the Ohio State Turkey Calling Championship two times, and the Southern Open Turkey Calling Championship once. For more than 40 years he has been a successful deer hunter. He has won or placed in more than 250 turkey calling contests during the past 25 years, and has hunted wild turkey in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky. Clevenger serves as senior pro staff member for Woods Wise Products, pro staff member for Realtree Camo and Kicks Choke Tubes. He has conducted numerous seminars on deer and turkey hunting and calling, and is knowledgeable in the use of scents, blinds, decoys, scouting and preseason preparation.
“To be successful at turkey and deer hunting, learning how to use calls and knowing when to use them is critical,” Clevenger said. “The focus of my seminar is educating hunters on just that. Even if you’re a seasoned deer or turkey hunter, I would encourage you to attend my seminar. The focus of my seminar is on hunting deer and turkey in West Virginia and I am confident that I’ll cover something that you will be able to use this fall. ”
The National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation. More than 100 vendors and exhibits will be available. The public is invited to enjoy archery, youth competition, good food, sport dogs, care and cooking of fish and game, shotgun and black powder shooting, and many more activities and door prizes. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under age 15, and children 3 and under are free. For more information call 558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm.

Attend West Virginia’s Largest Outdoor Hunting and Fishing Celebration, September 23rd and 24th at Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort State Park
The Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation invite wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy the 2006 West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County Saturday and Sunday, September 23rd and 24th, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro.
The National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration is like no other event held in West Virginia since it features hands-on learning opportunities for youngsters and families in the area of wildlife and outdoor recreation. One of the objectives of the event is to educate the non-hunting/fishing public on the benefits of these recreational activities and how they support the DNR’s efforts in wildlife conservation.
Nearly 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts will be in attendance to try their hand at everything from archery, shooting, fly-fishing, and kids fishing derby, to list only a few; making it the state’s largest outdoor hunting and fishing event. In addition to all the hands-on-activities, attendees will also have the opportunity to sit in on several wildlife demonstrations or visit one of the hundred-plus vendors on hand. Seminars include bird dog demonstrations, coyote calling, turkey and deer calling, and fishing tips/techniques to list only a few.
“West Virginians are proud of their hunting and fishing heritage; National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration is our way of saying thanks by providing an opportunity for friends and families to enjoy a weekend of activities that’s like no other,” said Jezioro, who will be conducting bird dog training demonstrations during the event. Gov. Joe Manchin III, another avid outdoors enthusiast, is scheduled to visit the Celebration Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under age 15, and children 3 and under free. For more information on this event and for a schedule of activities, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov and look under the “Special Opportunities” section.

Participants at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo can get a special inside look at the daily activities of a Wildlife Department fisheries employee Aug. 25-27. Although most Expo activities will take place at the Lazy E Arena just north of Oklahoma City, the Fisheries Management Field Trip will take place at Guthrie City Lake.
The unique trip will include a pontoon boat ride where attendees can observe biologists electrofishing to collect largemouth bass and trap netting to collect crappie and other game fish. The field trip will also include an opportunity to learn how biologists age fish and see how this important data is used to maintain quality fisheries around the state. Participants will also learn about fish hatchery production from spawning, to incubation, to stocking.
Pre-registration is required. To pre-register call 521-3721 between of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Space is limited on the trips and sign up is on a first-come, first served basis. Participants may choose from one of 10 sessions:
Friday, August 25: 6 p.m. or 7:30 pm;
Saturday, August 26: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m. or 6:30 pm;
Sunday, August 27: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. or 4:30 pm.
Registration will close on Friday, August 26 at 4:30 p.m. In the event of cancellations, interested individuals can check at the Information Booth during the Expo to see if space is available and what sessions are open.
Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug spray and appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions. Life jackets are required and will be provided, however, participants are also encouraged to bring their own life jacket if possible.
The Fisheries Management Field Trip is one of many highlights of the Wildlife Expo. With more than 200 different booths and activities, there will be plenty to do during the free event. Young and old alike will be sure to find something that interests them at the Expo from shotgun shooting, to a live butterfly exhibit, to dog training.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the huge event, which is designed to promote and perpetuate Oklahoman’s appreciation of the state’s wildlife and natural resources.
For more information about the Wildlife Expo log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Sign-up at wildlifedepartment.com.
Could you use a brand-new ATV? How about a lifetime hunting and fishing license? Thanks to generous sponsors, these prizes and much more will be given away at the Wildlife Expo August 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena.
Although a wide variety of prizes will be available, only those who register for the Expo at wildlifedepartment.com will be eligible to win the lifetime hunting and fishing license or the ATV donated by P&K Equipment. The John Deere 500 ATV features automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Individuals will also have some extra motivation to participate in a unique hunter education course offered at the Expo. Two of the Expo hunter education course participants will win a lifetime hunting license. You must pre-register for this course by calling 521-4636.
Following is a list of other fantastic Expo give-a-ways:
One hunt of their choice good for two people from McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.
A custom made Osage bow by Tommy Leach, primitive bowyer.
Two smokers from Oklahoma Correctional Industries.
A pebble fountain from Sanctuary Water Gardens. This is a self-contained water fountain installed in ground that creates a spray for birds to drink and bathe in. It is easy to install and can be placed in a flowerbed.
A boulder bubbler from Sanctuary Water Gardens. This is a boulder that has been drilled for water to trickle down for frogs, birds, and butterflies. It includes pump and liner drape.
A pondless waterfall from Continental Ponds, which includes installation.
A 55-gallon bump feeder from Poor Boys Feeders.
A Field Pro 100-lb.-hanging feeder with Game Feeder I Timer from Adventure Out.
A BuckHouse Tower Stand with Field Pro 300-lb.-Feeder and a Game Feeder IV from Adventure Out.
One custom-made turkey box call and one custom made turkey friction call from Tuck’s Game Calls.
A Bow Tec-Allegiance Compound Bow from Chuck Devereaux’s Castin’ and Blastin’ TV show
Two scuba lessons from Scuba Adventure
Three 1-year subscriptions to “Oklahoma Today” and “Outdoor Oklahoma” magazines.
Three prize packages including cabin and lodge getaways as well as rounds of golf from Oklahoma State Parks.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma’s wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Expo is designed as an entertaining and educational event for both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those new to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from live butterflies, to mountain bike riding, to dog training, to sampling wild game.
The Wildlife Expo will take place Aug. 25-27 on the expansive grounds of the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
To register for great Expo prizes or for more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

PIERRE - On May 12-14, 2006, South Dakota State University’s Oak Lake Field Station will host educators at the WILD About Migratory Birds workshop.
This training opportunity is open to teachers, scout leaders, youth group leaders, and anyone else who has an interest in teaching children about birds. “We’re planning a fun-filled, hands-on workshop that will provide a lot of great information to the participants,” said Chad Tussing, Education Services Coordinator for Game, Fish and Parks.
Some of the workshop topics include participating in an annual spring bird count, experimenting with a computerized bird identification program, and experiencing several educational activities from the Flying WILD curriculum. Participants will receive a copy of this curriculum guide and will also build their own birdhouse to take back to their school, home, or facility. Tussing says, “While the activities we’ll be doing are fun for the participants, they are also very educational. Project WILD activities are easily correlated to state and national content standards. They also fit very well into existing lesson plans.” The workshop will be held at the Oak Lake Field Station, about 22 miles northeast of the SDSU campus. There is no charge for the training and materials, but a $35 fee is charged for meals and lodging for the workshop.
College credit will be available from Dakota State University for those who desire it. For more information, or to register for the workshop, contact Chad Tussing at 773-2541. Information is also available online at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Education/Projwild/workshops.htm
Project WILD is an internationally recognized curriculum, which promotes wildlife conservation through education. In 2006, over one million educators will have participated in Project WILD training since 1983. Game, Fish and Parks is the state sponsor of Project WILD in South Dakota. Over 6,000 educators have been trained in South Dakota since 1989. Project WILD workshops and materials are funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.

MADISON — Wisconsin waterfowl hunters can learn more about the results of a national survey on waterfowl hunting at the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Conference March 3-4 in Stevens Point.
Presentation and discussion of the survey results will be led by Tom Hauge, director of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Wildlife Management, and Kent Van Horn, DNR waterfowl specialist. Hauge is a member of the National Flyway Council that planned and directed the study, Van Horn helped design survey questions.
“Initial national survey results were released a couple of weeks ago,” said VanHorn, “but we will have additional detailed information specific to Wisconsin to share. Wisconsin was a major sponsor of the national effort but also was one of handful of states that were ‘oversampled’ giving us more statistically accurate results that we can rely on with greater confidence.”
Survey results showed most Wisconsin duck hunters were satisfied with the duck hunting season length, timing and bag limits in the state from 2000 to 2004, with 64 percent of respondents saying the Wisconsin season length was about right, 72 percent of respondents saying the bag limit was about right and 73 percent of hunters indicating they were satisfied with the timing of the season over the past five years, Van Horn said.
Results of both the national and Wisconsin surveys are available online at www.ducksurvey.com.
Hauge and VanHorn will both be available during the conference for interpretation of results and to answer questions.
“This should be a great opportunity for waterfowl hunters to learn more about the hunter trends and opinions affecting their sport,” Van Horn said.
More information about the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunter’s Conference can be found on the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Association Web site at http://www.wisducks.org/WWHC.htm. The deadline for advanced mail-in registration for the conference has closed, but people may register for the conference at the door.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn - 266-8841

The California Department of Fish and Game will sponsor the ninth annual Wild Turkey Expo on March 11, in Fair Oaks, Calif. The seminar, co-sponsored with the Wilderness Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd.
The free event, which has drawn standing-room-only crowds in the past, provides comprehensive information on wild turkey biology and hunting, with a focus on hunting on public lands. Sporting goods organizations will be present to show the latest equipment and share information about other hunting opportunities. DFG will provide a lunch, and a $5 donation to help cover meal costs is welcomed.
Outdoors writer and veteran turkey hunter John Higley will be the expo’s featured speaker. Higley and other experts will instruct attendees on where to locate the birds and their habits, the effective use of camouflage, and the use of shotguns and archery equipment. Presentations will also be given on recipes for cooking and preparing turkey.
Ryan Mathis, a regional biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation will give a talk on shotgun selection and shooting, and the proper loads to use. A seminar on archery hunting for turkeys will be given by Johnny Waddles, regional chairman for the International Bowhunters Education Program. Champion turkey caller Bruce Wurth, owner of American Friction, which manufactures turkey calls, will demonstrate his award-winning calls. A question and answer period will follow.
DFG’s wild turkey biologist Scott Gardner will be available during the event to offer hunters and naturalists insight on the wild turkey’s habitat. Additional DFG personnel will also be on hand to answer questions.
For more information, contact Susan Herrgesell, Advanced Hunter Education Program Coordinator, at 347-3980, or e-mail at sherrges@dfg.ca.gov.

The California Department of Fish and Game will operate a full-service license sales counter and information booth at three upcoming outdoor shows in Southern California.
“Our participation in these shows is tremendously valuable, especially since the majority of the attendees are also our fishing and hunting customers,” said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick. “These shows give us a unique opportunity to meet thousands of hunters and anglers over the course of a few days so that we can answer their questions, hear their concerns, and give them a convenient place to buy their annual licenses.”
DFG will operate booths during the following shows:
Feb. 17-19: International Sportsmen’s Exposition - LA County Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Pomona
March 1-5: Fred Hall Fishing, Tackle and Boat Show - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
March 15-19: Fred Hall Fishing, Tackle and Boat Show - Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Staff at DFG’s license counters will be offering a full line of sport fishing licenses, hunting licenses, tags and stamps - everything necessary for sportsmen to fully enjoy California’s many outdoor fishing and hunting opportunities. The license counters will be open during most of the shows’ hours.
In addition to license agents, DFG wildlife and fisheries experts and enforcement personnel will be on hand throughout the shows to answer questions and provide informational material on a wide range of wildlife and outdoors subjects. For more information on the shows, and to view a calendar of additional upcoming events, please visit DFG’s Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/html/events.html.

DNR to host free coyote hunting and calling seminars at Mineral Wells and Beckley
The Division of Natural Resources will be hosting free coyote hunting and calling seminars in Mineral Wells in Wood County and Beckley in Raleigh County to educate hunters on the recreational opportunities that exist in West Virginia, according to Frank Jezioro, Director.
“There is a lot of interest in coyote hunting in West Virginia,” Jezioro said. “However, the majority of our hunters are unfamiliar with the techniques and regulations that are involved. Because of this lack of knowledge, DNR has been hosting seminars around the state to provide our hunters a chance to meet firsthand with experts on coyotes and coyote hunting. This will ultimately allow our hunters to become more successful. The last seminar we held a couple of weeks ago in Fairmont had nearly 600 in attendance and I expect the seminars in Mineral Wells and Beckley will receive just as much interest.”
Presentations will be given by representatives from DNR on the life history of the coyote and regulations pertaining to coyote hunting. Gary Roberson, a professional game caller of Burnham Brothers Game Calls of Texas, will be providing a detailed presentation on hunting techniques that will work for West Virginia hunters.
These seminars are free and the public is invited to attend at one of the following locations:
February 24, 6 p.m. — Mineral Wells at the Wood County 4-H Camp
February 25, 3 p.m. — Beckley at the Raleigh County Armory
“I hope hunters from the Beckley and Parkersburg area take advantage of these seminars and attend,” Jezioro said. “I can assure them that the information provided will be very beneficial and will allow them to be more efficient in hunting the coyote.”

PICKSTOWN, S.D. - Kick off the fall hunting season with the first-ever
Hunters’ Olympics. Events will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at North
Point Recreation Area near Pickstown.
Participants can learn safety techniques, see demonstrations of hunting
skills and test their ability at the shooting range.
“This is a great event for first-time hunters to learn some valuable hunting
tips,” said Jon Corey, park manager. “Park staff, conservation officers,
instructors from the Hunter Safety And Firearms Education program
and local volunteers will be on-hand to lend their expertise during the
entire afternoon.”
Safety discussions will cover getting in and out of vehicles, crossing fence
lines, walking through tall brush and zones of fire when hunting in a group.
Participants will also learn some tips on setting up goose and duck decoys
and how to effectively call the birds.
At the park’s rifle range, visitors will get a chance to try trap and rifle
shooting. Guns, ammo and safety equipment will be provided, and participants
are asked not to bring their own equipment.
All of the afternoon’s events will take place near the park’s rifle range.
Door prizes will be given throughout the day. There is no cost to
participate, and a park entrance license is not required in the rifle range
area. Any vehicles entering the park are required to have a valid park
entrance license.
For more information on the Hunters’ Olympics, contact the park office at
487-7046. To learn more about other special events occurring this fall
in the S.D. State Parks, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks or call 773-3391.

The Department of Fish and Game’s Advanced Hunter Education Program is offering a waterfowl and upland game hunting clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 10, at Rancho Esquon near Durham in Butte County. Cabela’s and Great Outdoors of Sacramento are sponsoring the clinic in conjunction with the California Waterfowl Association.
Instructors will provide valuable information to new hunters in a safe, encouraging atmosphere. Topics will include the proper firearm and shot for the hunt, bird identification, habits and habitats of the birds, and selecting a canine companion. There will also be coaching on what gear and garb is best for the field, what areas to hunt, staying legal while hunting, and more.
Any hunter ages 10 and up is encouraged to attend. Space is limited and registration works on a first-come, first-served basis.
The $40 registration fee covers instruction, information materials, lunch and a Waterfowl Association hat and membership.
After registration, participants will receive a packet of information approximately two weeks prior to the clinic, which will include a map to the facility, an agenda, and a list of items to bring. To register, go to www.dfg.ca.gov/coned/huntclinics, or call DFG’s Susan Herrgesell at 530-225-2319.

J. Edward Roush Lake will hold a dedication ceremony Thursday, August 25 at 10 a.m. to mark the opening of a new shooting range.
The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities. Light refreshments follow the ceremony at the range. On the day of the dedication, the range will be open free of charge to the general public after the ceremony.
“With 33 stations for shooting rifle and pistol, accessible restrooms, and a voice-activated trap range that can accommodate four shooters, this new shooting range is sure to draw marksmen from miles around,” said Kyle Hupfer, director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources . “We’re delighted to be able to offer this state-of-the-art facility to our fellow Hoosiers.”
Special speakers for the ceremony include: Hupfer; Robyn Thorson, regional director of federal assistance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; State Representative Dan Leonard and Rose Meldrum, director of the Huntington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Dan Bortner, director of the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, will serve as master of ceremonies.
A partnership between Roush and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Federal Assistance program led to construction of this facility. Roush property manager Jeff Reed said, “We are excited about the opportunities that are available for the public here at Roush Lake and the increased visitation this feature will provide for Huntington County.”
The shooting range at J. Edward Roush Lake is located east of Highway 5 on Division Road in Huntington County. Regular hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hearing and eye protection are required and may be purchased, along with targets and ammunition, from the Range Master’s Headquarters at the range.
The normal fees are $4 for adults and $2 for those 16 and under. An annual range pass is available for $80. The range pass is not interchangeable with regular property entrance permits.
For more information, an agenda for the dedication or directions to the range, call J. Edward Roush Lake at 260-468-2165.

SPOKANE — Hunters who need to complete a hunter education course before going afield can do so at a special three-day class Sept. 9-11 at Camp Cowles, a Boy Scouts of America facility on Diamond Lake near Newport.
The course, open to people of all ages, is designed to meet Washington’s hunter-education requirement for all prospective hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972.
A team of volunteer instructors will conduct the course for up to 150 students at the scout camp, located in Pend Oreille County just north of Spokane.
Classes will be held Friday, Sept. 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 a.m. until the coursework is complete.
Students can now register for the course by calling Chuck Ray, eastside hunter education coordinator for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, at 509-754-4624, ext. 23. In the Newport area, students can register by calling 509-447-2604.
In-person registration will also be available in Spokane from Aug. 20-28 at The General Store, 2424 N. Division St. and at Sharp Shooting Indoor Range and Gun Shop, 1200 N. Freya Way.
Registration for the course costs $20.

PIERRE, S.D. - Shooters in the Sioux Falls area will have some chances to sight in their rifles and pattern their shotguns for South Dakota’s upcoming hunting seasons. The supervised opportunities are scheduled at the Rollings Game Production Area near Hudson.
“People have a legitimate need to practice their shooting skills and sight in their rifle prior to the hunting seasons, but target shooting has caused considerable damage on GPAs, such as destruction of signs, fences and littering,” said Game, Fish and Parks Regional Habitat Manager Steve Vanderbeek of Sioux Falls. The Rollings GPA near Hudson has a shooting range on it, and we wanted to make that available to people and hopefully reduce the problems we have had with target shooting on other areas.” People interested will have from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates:
Saturday, Aug. 13
Sunday, Aug. 28
Saturday, Sept. 10
Saturday, Nov. 5
The Rollings GPA is located on the north side of Hudson. From Canton, drive south on I35 to County Road I52, then East to Hudson.
The Rollings GPA will be closed to hunting on the open range dates.

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a hunter education class this month for prospective hunters ages 16 and older at its regional office in Vancouver.
Classes are scheduled Aug. 17, 26 and 27 from 6-10 p.m. at the WDFW regional office, 2108 Grand Blvd., Vancouver, WA.
Those interested in attending can register by calling 996-6211.
Under state law, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972 must complete a certified hunter education class to qualify for his or her first Washington hunting license.
While most classes are offered to prospective hunters of all ages, this one is specifically designed for those ages 16 and above, said Dan Boes, WDFW hunter education specialist.
“We’ve found we can move through the material more quickly with older students,” Boes said. “By offering an accelerated class for older students, we should be able to accommodate more younger students in our regular classes.”
For more information on WDFW’s hunter education program, see the department’s website at http://www.clearlight.com/hunting/.

BABCOCK, Wis. — People interested in learning how to hunt waterfowl can sign up for a beginner waterfowl hunting clinic offered at the Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The clinic, run in cooperation with local chapters of Ducks Unlimited will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cover duck identification, hunter ethics, shotgun shooting, and demonstrations on decoying, calling, use of retrieving dogs, boating safety tips and more. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Participants should bring clothing suitable for the out-of-doors. Registration is limited to the first 25 people, ages 12 and up, who mail in their $12 registration fee by August 31. Participants may stay overnight in the center’s dorm either prior to or following the event for a donation of $15 per person per night.
Checks should be made out to DNR-Skills Center. Specify the name of the class, and include the name of each participant, and the address, e-mail address and daytime phone number of one person in each party. Send your registration fee to: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, PO Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413. Inquiries on the status of registrations may be sent via e-mail to: Richard.Thiel@dnr.state.wi.us.
More information on the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center can be found on the DNR Web site.
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway X, 1 mile north of Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin on the 9,000 acre Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandhill Skills Center at: 884-6333 or 884-2437.

The California Department of Fish and Game will be offering a Bear Ecology Workshop, August 12-14, 2005 at Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp in Sattley. The weekend class will be taught by Doug Updike, DFG senior wildlife biologist, and is a rare wildlife educational opportunity.
“Whether you’re a novice wildlife enthusiast or a regular visitor to bear country you will not want to miss this chance to explore the wonders of California’s bears,” said Lesa Johnston, DFG’s bear workshop coordinator.
Shaffer’s camp is tucked away in the majestic Tahoe National Forest, 45 minutes north of Truckee. The cost for the workshop is $85 per person and includes meals and lodging in dormitory-style cabins, or personal tents if preferred. Traditional teepees are also available for lodging upon request. Light hiking is required and participants must be at least 18 years of age.
The camp will offer great restroom and shower facilities and first-class meals.
Topics covered will include an overview of the California black bear, bear biology, bear sign, setting up monitoring cameras to document bear activity, interpreting bear activity, proper human behavior in bear country and avoiding encounters with bears.
This will be a great workshop for outdoor trip leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, biology and veterinary students, wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or anyone that loves California wildlife and has an interest in wildlife education. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register online at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/coned/bearworkshop/bearworkshop.html or contact Lesa Johnston at 653-7748.