Three Arkansas Contenders Get Ready for Historic WBT Championship in Their Home State
October 15, 2008
HOT SPRINGS - Three of the 20 pros who qualified for this month’s historic Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship set for Oct. 23-25 on Lake Hamilton are from Arkansas.
Jan Heavener of Sherwood, Tammy Richardson of Glenwood and Lucy Mize of Ben Lomond are looking forward to representing their home state at the event on Hamilton, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Ouachita River on the southern edge of Hot Springs.
“It’s a beautiful lake with a big population of spotted bass,” said Heavener, who is a first-time WBT Championship qualifier. “I fished it a few years ago, but I really don’t know the lake. I was there in the hot summer just to learn my way around, and I’ve been back to practice the past few weekends.”
Mize, a one-time WBT event winner who has qualified for all three of the circuit’s championships, said she’ll scout Hamilton for a few days before the cutoff, a practice approach with which she’s most comfortable.
“I have fished Lake Hamilton, but not for several years,” said Mize, who lives more than 100 miles from the championship fishery. “I have some areas in mind that I’ll concentrate on. I think the lake plays to my strengths, but Hamilton is going to be a tough tournament.”
Richardson, also a championship qualifier since the WBT’s inception, spent about a week scouting the lake.
“I have so many other lakes closer to me — Ouachita, De Gray and Lake Greeson — that Hamilton isn’t one I’ve fished a lot,” Richardson said. “But I have competed on Hamilton in team tournaments. This time of year, the fish are in transition to fall patterns, and you can catch them deep and you can catch them shallow.”
All three home-staters said a win in Arkansas would be the icing on the cake of the WBT Championship title, which includes a Triton/Mercury boat rig valued at $55,000, plus $5,000 cash.
The competition will be the biggest event of the WBT season on another count: It will result in the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic. The Toyota Tundra WBT Angler of the Year, the pro who has amassed the most points through the season, will qualify for the Classic. She will be up against 50 other anglers in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
The points leaders going into the Lake Hamilton event are Kim Bain of Alabaster, Ala., who has 890 points; Cindy Hill of Smyrna, Tenn., who has 876 points; and Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, with 855 points.
While one of the points leaders could score both the Classic berth and the championship title, it’s possible that the championship winner will be among the other 17 qualifiers.
The three pros from Arkansas know they are perhaps too far behind to catch the points leaders, but they’re more than happy to be able to focus on taking the WBT Championship trophy.
“All I can do is get out there and try to win it,” Heavener said. “Winning would be the highlight of my career, of anyone’s career. To have it happen in my home state would be even more special.”
For more details on the event, click here
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CA DFG Offers Special Gamebird Heritage Central Coast Women’s Pheasant Hunting Clinic
October 13, 2008
A special Santa Margarita Women’s Pheasant Hunting Clinic is scheduled Dec. 6 at the Cammatta Ranch in San Luis Obispo County. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) clinic is a unique learning opportunity for beginning hunters and a fun outing for those with hunting experience.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and includes classroom, range and field assistance in the techniques of gun handling and safety, pheasant hunting and game care. There will be shooting practice as well as seminars on wildlife and hunting. A barbecue lunch is included. Permits for the clinic will be selected by drawing. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and provide their own shotgun, safety glasses and ammunition. Hunting dogs will be provided (please do not bring your own dog).
Hunters can apply on the DFG Web site or can download, print and mail an application form available at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame/gamebird/specialhunts. Scroll down and click on “Apprentice Hunts for Women” to find information and a statewide map of the hunts and the application. Applicants must enter their name, address, phone number and hunting license number. Hunters who have just graduated from a hunter safety class and have a priority stamp may enter that number to receive priority in the drawing. Two hunters may enter as one party. The cost is $10 per person payable to Cammatta Ranch on the day of the hunt. There are 36 spots available and the application is due by Nov. 3. Cammatta Ranch is on Hwy 58 near Santa Margarita.
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Women’s Only Fishing Clinic October 4th in Fort Scott, Kansas
September 26, 2008
Limited to 35 participants, clinic to cover all aspects of Kansas fishing
FT. SCOTT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the city of Ft. Scott, and local merchants are sponsoring a women-only fishing clinic on Oct. 4 at the Ft. Scott City Lake rearing pond, located south of Ft. Scott and 3 miles west of U.S. Highway 69 on the east side of the lake. This event is for women 18 years and older and is designed to teach all aspects of fishing.
Instructors will cover fishing techniques and provide one-on-one training. Topics include application of basic fishing equipment, how to use different kinds of rods and reels, and what kinds of baits are best for certain fish. A casting contest will sharpen casting skills. There will be a segment on fish identification and explanation of where to find different species of fish. All participants will have the opportunity to catch fish, and lunch will be provided.
Women are encouraged to bring fishing equipment if they have it. For those who do not have equipment, it will be provided.
A $5 registration fee will cover the cost of the event, and each woman will go home with fishing equipment of her own. To pre-register, phone 620-672-5911 and ask for Stacy in Hunter Education. The clinic is limited to 35 women.
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Still Time to Sign Up for Tallahassee Outdoors-woman Workshop
September 24, 2008
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) still has openings for its Tallahassee Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop for women who want to spend a weekend learning a variety of outdoor activities.
The three-day workshop will take place Oct. 10-12 at Camp Wallwood on the Gadsden County side of Lake Talquin. The program will begin Friday at 10 a.m. and end Sunday with lunch.
Although designed with women in mind, the workshop is open to everyone 18 and older who wants to improve their outdoor skills and enjoy a few recreational activities. During four, three-and-one-half-hour sessions, the workshop will teach skills associated with fishing, hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation, at all levels of physical activity.
The BOW Program offers a fun and supportive atmosphere for participants wishing to try new things and enjoy the camaraderie of others who want to learn about Florida’s great outdoors.Â
The cost for the program is $175, and there are a few discounted slots available for low-income participants, single parents and college students.
For more information on the BOW workshop and how you can register, visit MyFWC.com/BOW or call 850-413-0085.
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A Nevada Ladies Day in the Outdoors
September 22, 2008
The Las Vegas chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nevada Department of Wildlife are hosting a special outdoor event just for the ladies, and there is still room for those women with an adventurous heart. The “Women in the Outdoors” workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Spencer Kimball Boy Scout Reservation just outside of Las Vegas near Mt. Potosi.
Participants will have their choice of approximately 16 workshops taught by volunteers and staff from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, as well as talented members of the outdoor sporting community. Subjects include archery, camping, canoeing, Dutch oven cooking, fishing, introduction to hunting, shotgun shooting, wildlife identification and more. In addition, there will be a silent auction and raffle for some great outdoor gifts.
Registration $60 per person, but a mother and daughter duo can get in for $80. The daughter must be 14 to 17 years old. Registration forms can be obtained online at www.womenintheoutdoors.org/wito/eventPDFs/280011.pdf or by calling Wendy Andersen, 951-600-9268; Jessica Johnson, 702-204-8127; or Margie Klein, 702-486-5127 x 3502.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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Iowa’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop Set for Sept. 19 - 21
August 28, 2008
Iowa’s annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop will be held September 19-21, at the Springbrook Conservation Educations Center, approximately 1 ½ hours west of Des Moines.
The 2 ½-day workshop provides women a comfortable environment and beautiful setting to learn outdoor skills they may not normally try. BOW is an international program aimed primarily at women, but is an opportunity for anyone 18 years and older to learn outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits. Classes offered throughout the weekend include introduction to firearms, basic shooting, basic fishing, knot tying, river fishing, fly fishing, archery, turkey and deer hunting basics, Dutch oven cooking, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, map and compass, and much more.
“We have been providing BOW workshops in Iowa for nearly 15 years and they continue to be very popular, well-attended events,” says Julie Sparks, BOW coordinator. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for participants to get enough instruction and hands-on learning to feel confident pursuing these activities. We have a great team of dedicated instructors and an awesome location for the workshop.”
Registration continues, but the workshop is filling fast, she said. A registration form is available online at http://www.iowadnr.com/bow/index.html.
For more information, contact Julie Sparks at 515-281-6159 or Julie [dot] sparks [at] dnr [dot] iowa [dot] gov.
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Information on the Women’s Surf Fishing Clinic the Day Before the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament is Now Available
August 25, 2008
New Jersey Outdoors for Women - October 4 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, NJ
Surf Fishing Clinic - (No surf fishing experience needed.) Open to women only at least 18 years old. Participants will learn the basics of surf fishing, including information on rods, reels, weights, line, tackle, knots, bait, fish identification, casting, reading the surf, and caring for your catch. The afternoon will be spent on the beach using techniques learned to fish the surf. The workshop will take place rain or shine, warm or cold. Participants should be prepared with appropriate clothing, as well as other convenience items such as sun screen, sunglasses, hat, and foul weather gear.
Please enclose a check for $15.00 made out to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife with your registration form. This fee will be refunded to you at the class but will be nonrefundable for those not attending. Participants will also be able to register for the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament held the following day, October 5. The cost for the tournament is $10 for adults, equipment will be supplied to those who participate in the workshop, but participants will be responsible for their own bait.
Questions please contact Karen Leskie at 609-748-4347 or karen [dot] leskie [at] dep [dot] state [dot] nj [dot] us.
Surf Clinic Registration Form (pdf, 13kb)
Women interested in additional outdoor recreation opportunities are encouraged to visit www.NJOWL.org - the Web site of New Jersey Outdoor Women’s League.
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BOW, Delta Waterfowl to Host Waterfowl Workshop in North Dakota
August 21, 2008
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program and Delta Waterfowl are sponsoring a waterfowl hunting workshop Sept. 27-28 in Minot.
Saturday’s events will include instruction on waterfowl identification, firearm safety, hunting with decoys and calling birds. Sunday will feature a mentored hunt, followed by cleaning game.
Women interested in participating in the workshop must have a firearms safety certificate, 2008 hunting license and duck stamp. Waders or rubber boots are recommended. Shotguns and ammunition will be provided if necessary.
The workshop is open to the first 20 woman ages 18 or older to register. The cost is $20, and preregistration with payment is required.
For more information contact Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, at 701-328-6312; or email ndgf [at] nd [dot] gov.
Registration forms are available on the Game and Fish website (gf.nd.gov) by accessing the education/outreach link.
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Fly Fishing Clinic Planned to Hook Idaho Women Anglers
August 15, 2008
Women interested in the sport of fly-fishing are encouraged to sign up for a clinic designed to introduce the beginner angler to casting techniques, equipment use, knot tying, fly selection, and a personalized fishing experience on a scenic North Idaho river.
The clinic will include two presentations, from 6 to 9 p.m. September 10 and 17, in Lewiston, then an overnight campout and two days of fishing on September 20 and 21.
Sponsored by Kelly Creek Fly Casters and Idaho Fish and Game, the goal is to introduce women to fly fishing by providing them basic information and hands-on experiences. More importantly, the clinic will provide the foundation for women to become outdoor leaders and to develop a network of women with similar interests.
The registration cost is $60 for adults and $20 for young women 12 to 17 years old, which includes a Saturday evening Dutch oven dinner. Fly rods and reels will be provided to those who do not own equipment, but students must bring all other camping gear, meals and waders.
For more information or to register, contact Zack Funkhouser 208-816-8314, or Jill Green 208-798-0215, in the evening. Registration forms are available at the Idaho Fish and Game Office, 3316 16th Street, Lewiston, ID 83501. Space is limited and registration will be first-come-first serve.
A participating parent or guardian must accompany young women who register.
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Michigan DNR Offers Women’s Fly Fishing for Chinook Salmon Workshop Sept. 12-14
August 12, 2008
The Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is offering an exciting program, Sept. 12-14, for women who are interesting in experiencing the thrill of fishing the Pere Marquette River for big chinook salmon using a fly rod while fishing from a drift boat.
The Orvis-endorsed Pere Marquette River Lodge is one of the premium fishing destinations in the Upper Midwest. Women will arrive Friday night, Sept. 12, for a get-acquainted party and guest lecturer. On Saturday and Sunday there will be an intensive eight to 10 hours of fly fishing instruction from the boats. There will be two women per boat with one guide.
“Participants will learn more on this trip about what a chinook does when it is hooked and what it feels like to fight a big fish using light tackle,” said Lynn Marla, DNR BOW coordinator. “In addition to providing invaluable instruction, these world-class fishing guides also will prepare a gourmet shore lunch each day.”
The workshop, which is limited to 12 participants, is $500. This fee will cover all room costs for two nights, two continental breakfasts, gourmet shore lunches and the Saturday night dinner. Fly fishing equipment will be provided, but women are encouraged to bring their own if they have it.
Workshop information is available online at www.michigan.gov/bow or by contacting Lynn Marla at (517) 241-2225; e-mail: marlal [at] michigan [dot] gov.
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