Come See One of Colorado’s Largest Sheep Herds at the 3rd Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival
October 31, 2008
Join the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) for a full day of family-friendly and free wildlife fun! The Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, sponsored by the DOW and the Town of Georgetown, will be held on Saturday, November 8th.  New activities and a full day of events starting at 10:00 am, promise something for everyone interested in our wildlife heritage.
“Early November is a great time to watch bighorn sheep,” said Karen Hardesty, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator for the northeast region of the DOW. “Late October through mid-December is the rut – or courtship season. The herd gathers more closely together than usual and the rams are contesting one another for dominance and the opportunity to reproduce. It’s the best of wildlife watching right here in Georgetown’s backyard!”
Participants will have the opportunity to watch Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from the Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Area on the west side of Georgetown Lake. Trained DOW volunteers will offer a cup of hot cider and help visitors find and learn about the sheep.
In addition to wildlife viewing and guided hikes, the festival offers educational programming and a variety of crafts and activities for kids. This year the festival has expanded to include a climbing wall for youth, a Colorado Critters Parade (made up of young or young-at-heart festival participants), wildlife films at the Canyon Winds Winery, and Georgetown Loop Railroad trips.
Special Presentations:
- Wildlife of Clear Creek County
- The Story of Georgetown’s Bighorns – their history and current research updatesÂ
- Catching the Bad-guy: how wildlife forensics help managers track down poachers
- Peeking at Pika: Life on the alpine tundra and changes we may see soon
- Impacts of Global Climate Change to Colorado Wildlife ( a special traveling presentation by the Colorado Wildlife Federation)
- Story-telling: Tales of the “Wild” Colorado
- Wildlife and Landscape Photography with photographer Gary Haines of Grizzly Creek GalleryÂ
 Festival Activities Guide:
See the final schedule of events at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Viewing/EventsFestivals/BighornFestival.htm
OR pick up a schedule on-site at the Gateway Visitor Center or the Georgetown Community Center. All of these events are free.
Georgetown is located just less than an hour west of Denver on I-70. Programs and activities take place in several venues throughout town, but most are on 6th Street. Be sure to plan time to visit the numerous art galleries and unique shops where artisans and shop owners will showcase their wildlife related art, gifts, crafts and other merchandise
WHAT: Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival: A full day of family-friendly &Â free wildlife fun.
WHERE: Town of Georgetown: One hour west of Denver on I-70.
WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2008, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Related posts
Walkway Will Pave the Way to More Fishing Programs in Fayetteville
October 14, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – A new walkway at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center is paving the way for anglers of all ages, skill levels and abilities to enjoy more fishing opportunities at the Fayetteville-based center.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is selling engraved pavers to help support aquatic programs conducted at the center, as well as fisheries outreach programs coordinated across the state through the center, including a mobile aquarium, kids’ fishing events and a Tackle Loaner Program. The stone pavers will form the “Conservationist Walkway,” which will wrap around the new facility.
Stone pavers are available in three sizes:
- 3-inch by 6-inch paver, $50, engraved with up to 20 characters including spaces;
- 6-inch by 6-inch paver, $75, engraved with up to 40 characters including spaces; and
- 6-inch by 9-inch paver, $100, engraved with up to 48 characters including spaces.
Paver purchases are tax-deductible.
The Commission provides two easy ways to order a paver:
- Online at www.ncwildstore.com (credit card purchases only); or
- Mail in the completed application form, available at www.ncwildlife.org/paver, along with a check or money order to: Wild Store Order Desk, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1710
“The Conservationist Walkway is a unique and lasting way to pay tribute to family and loved ones and, at the same time, support aquatic programs conducted at the center,” said Kristopher Smith, director of the Pechmann Center. “It was appropriate that the walkway be placed at the Pechmann Center; our mission is teaching kids and adults about the sport of fishing and the conservation of aquatic resources.” Â
For more information on the Conservationist Walkway, contact Smith at (910) 868-2468, ext. 14. For additional information on fishing in public, inland waters click here or call the agency’s Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 707-0220.
Related posts
Kids Fishing Opportunities Enhanced by Pond Renovations in Illinois
October 9, 2008
Family fishing Waters Grant helps fund project at Lake Le-Aqua-Na SRA
LENA, ILL. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is renovating a former fish rearing pond at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area in Stephenson County for use as a kids fishing pond available for fishing clinics and recreational fishing opportunities for families.
The pond renovation project is being supported by a $10,000 grant from the FishAmerica Foundation’s Family Fishing Waters Program and Pro Line Manufacturing.
“Getting kids involved in fishing is one of the best investments we can make in the future of outdoor recreation and conservation stewardship,” said Dan Sallee, IDNR Division of Fisheries regional administrator in Sterling. “We are very pleased to be able to enhance fishing opportunities for young people at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area thanks to the support of the FishAmerica Foundation and Pro Line. When this project is completed, we’ll have terrific fishing on the lake and on the renovated kids fishing pond.”
Grant funds were used to purchase and install water control equipment.  The IDNR Heavy Equipment Crew will work on sediment removal and reshape the pond basin to better accommodate fishing opportunities for children and families.    IDNR Land Management personnel will seed and prepare the access area around the pond.Â
Once completed, IDNR Fisheries staff will stock the renovated pond with a number of sport fish species, including bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish. Fishing during kids fishing clinics will be catch-and-release, but it is expected that anglers will be able to keep a limited number of fish they catch at other times.Â
Â
The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2009. Work on the project has been delayed several times this year by heavy rains and flooding.
For more information on the project, contact the IDNR Division of Fisheries regional office at 815/625-2968.
Related posts
Catch Fish, Shoot Targets at the Utah State Fair Sept. 4-14
September 2, 2008
Your kids can catch fish and shoot pellet guns at this year’s Utah State Fair.
The two activities are just some of the things your family can enjoy at the historic Division of Wildlife Resources building. Located on the south side of the Utah State Fairpark, the building is close to 100 years old.
The following are among the things you and your family can do at the building and the surrounding area:
Your kids can catch and release bluegill, crappie, catfish and bass at the fish pond. The pond is on the south side of the building. It will be open from 4–7 p.m. every day of the fair except Sep. 4. The DWR will provide all of the fishing equipment and instruction your kids will need to catch fish.
Your kids can shoot at targets at the DWR’s shooting trailer. The trailer will be open every day of the fair.
You can learn about various outdoor topics at a series of seminars. Black bear and OHV safety, the rocks that make up the Wasatch Mountains and wildlife art are among the topics that will be presented. The seminars will be held on the west side of the fish pond. Most of the seminars will be held in the evening.
You can learn more about Utah’s outdoors at various information booths inside the building. The divisions of Oil, Gas & Mining, State Parks and Recreation, Water Resources and Wildlife Resources, as well as the Utah Geological Survey and the Department of Natural Resources, will be represented.
“Because so many DNR divisions will be involved this year, those who attend the fair can learn more about conservation efforts and Utah’s outdoors than ever before,” says DNR Executive Director Mike Styler.
The Utah State Fair runs Sep. 4–14 at the Utah State Fairpark. The fairpark is at 155 N. 1000 W. in Salt Lake City.
Related posts
Outdoor Central.com News Network Is Now On MySpace.com
August 28, 2008
Come Be My Friend!
http://www.myspace.com/outdoorcentral
Show me your trophies, both hunting and fishing.
Tell me your personal hunting and fishing stories.
Apply to be an Outdoor Central.com Editorialist.Â
To apply, simply drop me an email through MySpace, or go to our “Contact Us” page, Then fill out the information requested. Where it asks “Select A Contact Reason” just click on other, then fill out your qualifications in the “Enter Your Message” section of the form.
Be sure to include what you’d like to write about (hunting, fishing, or a recreational activities), and if it is a story, a technique, or whatever.
Also let us know if you are a fishing guide, an outfitter, an instructor, an educator, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTE:Â We are an equal opportunity publisher, welcoming women to write about B.O.W., or kids to write about an outdoor adventure.Â
Pictures are a plus.
Related posts
State Recreation Areas Offer Summer Nature Camps for Kids of South Dakota
August 15, 2008
PIERRE, S.D. – Angostura and Rocky Point Recreation Areas are hosting nature day camps for kids ages 7-12 on Aug. 20 and 21, respectively. The camps are great opportunities for kids to explore the surrounding recreation areas and focus on the outdoors. The camps run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs will host the camp on Aug. 20. The theme of the day camp is “Animal Tracking for Kids.” This nature day camp takes participants on a guided hike into a prairie setting and woody ravines to discover various signs of wildlife. Bring a sense of exploration and some excitable questions because the trek will leave you with lasting impressions of nature.
“Wildlife species exist in many forms at Angostura Recreation Area,” said Willy Collignon, park manager. “However, many species are not seen, due to their habitat preference or lifestyle. Come on out and learn how to locate and identify what some of these creatures leave behind.”
Reservations are required and can be made by calling Angostura Recreation Area at (605) 745-6996 or by email at Angostura [at] state [dot] sd [dot] us.
Angostura Recreation Area is located 10 miles southeast of Hot Springs off US 18/385. For more information on their programming schedule throughout the summer season, please visit Angostura Recreation Area on the web at www.SDparks.info or call (605) 745-6996.
The theme of the Aug. 21 day camp at Rocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche is “Astronomy is for the Stars.” “Participants will hear statistics, history, and mythology for constellations and name stars within them,” said Brad Nelson, Rocky Point park manager. “The kids will have chance to look at the stars through the telescope after dark, so we are hoping for a clear night!”
Reservations for this camp can be made by calling Rocky Point Recreation Area at (605)641-0023 or by email at RockyPoint [at] state [dot] sd [dot] us.
Rocky Point Recreation Area is located 8 miles east of Belle Fourche off SD 212. For more information on their programming schedule throughout the summer season, please visit Rocky Point Recreation Area on the web at www.SDparks.info or call (605)641-0023.
While the camps are geared for kids ages 7-12, younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult. Kids are reminded to wear clothing appropriate for the weather and shoes comfortable for walking. Sandals are not appropriate. No snacks or refreshments will be provided, but kids are welcome to bring their own. There is no fee for the camp; however a park entrance license is required.
Related posts
Bluefield/Moultrie Hunt Unit Youth Hunts This Fall
June 30, 2008
A series of youth draw deer hunts conducted jointly by Santee Cooper and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources will be continued this fall.Â
Applications will be available August 20. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. September 19. Call the Dennis Wildlife Center in Bonneau at (843) 761-8820 or (843) 825-3388 to request an application.
Past participants are encouraged to tell their friends about their experience to spread the word about this opportunity. Participants must be 17 years or younger and capable of safely handling a firearm. They must also be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old. While the youth and adult sit together in the stand, only the youth may actually hunt. All hunts take place in the afternoon from 2-person stands located along the edges of wildlife openings that have been planted in oats, wheat, soybeans, or peas. The areas hunted on youth draw hunts are located within Sandy Beach and Cross Generating Station, both part of the Santee Cooper-owned Moultrie Hunt Unit.Â
Last year, 108 girls and boys participated in the youth hunts at Sandy Beach and Cross, 26 of whom were fortunate enough to take home a deer. This hunting program has steadily grown since it’s inception in 1998, when 23 youth hunters took to the field.
Wildlife Management staff based out of Bonneau, including biologists Will Carlisle and Elliott Shuler and technician Blake DuBose, work in partnership with Santee Cooper to manage the Moultrie Hunt Unit for wildlife of all descriptions, and to provide recreational opportunity for the public, especially youngsters who might be new to the outdoors. S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Santee Cooper staff give a hunting safety talk to all participants upon their arrival, “We want to promote safe, ethical hunting practices in a quality hunting environment in hopes of energizing young people into responsibly carrying on the hunting tradition,” says Carlisle.
Santee Cooper not only owns the land on which these hunts are held, but provides funding for the property’s management, personnel to assist with the logistics of the hunts, and t-shirts for hunt participants.Â
In addition to the draw youth hunts, youths are encouraged to hunt on the 800-acre Bluefield WMA, also part of the Moultrie Hunt Unit. Each youth must be 17 or younger, and accompanied by an adult who is at least 21. The youth must carry a firearm and hunt. Unlike the strictly youth draw hunts mentioned above, on Bluefield, the adult may also carry a firearm and hunt. See the 2008-2009 “Rules & Regulations” booklet for specific season dates and limits.Â
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.
Related posts
DEM Seeks Families Interested in Free or Low-cost Local Summer Fun to Play The Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit
June 12, 2008
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management continues its search for families to play the 2008 Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit, a 10-week contest that encourages Rhode Islanders to enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities our state parks have to offer - while moving toward a healthier lifestyle. Families who participate in most or all of the events will be eligible for prizes. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure entry. There is no cost to register.
The contest kicks off on Sunday, June 22 with a day full of family activities and fun at Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by the official kick-off ceremony hosted by Governor Donald Carcieri and DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, Ph.D. at 11:30 a.m.
Following the ceremony, families are invited to enjoy the park by participating in any number of activities including guided walks and hikes, climbing on the Rhode Island Rock Gym’s climbing wall, reduced-rate kayak rentals and kayaking demonstrations, make and take arts and crafts, fishing (bring your own pole or DEM can provide one), and more.
Families will also enjoy free healthy snacks and drink samples from Whole Foods Markets, music from Nightlife DJ sponsored by United Healthcare, and raffles and give-a-ways of Nerf footballs and soccer balls, Super Soakers, and Twister games donated by Hasbro. Health and wellness information will also be available with representatives from URI’s Tick Awareness program, the American Diabetes Association and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of RI. Coast 93.3’s “Tunes the Turtle” will be on hand to entertain the kids.
Families are asked to bring a lunch (a concession stand is available on-site), sunscreen and lawns chairs or a blanket.
The game will take Rhode Island families to up to seven different state parks and forests this summer, where they will participate in outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching or swimming, among other activities. Events will be either “guided” or “self-guided.” Guided events will include numerous activities led by DEM, game partners and exhibitors. A self-guided event allows teams to visit a designated park whenever they can during the 10-week period and engage in an activity on their own.
Teams will receive points for participating in each event and will be eligible for prizes of outdoor equipment donated by local retailers at the finale on August 24. Prizes include: 1st Place - a complete camping gear and vacation package; 2nd Place - a kayak and a $125 gift certificate for kayak lessons; and, 3rd Place - a bike. The full 10-week schedule and game rules are posted on the program website: www.riparks.com.
Support for the project comes from numerous game partners including Eastern Mountain Sports, Hasbro, Inc., Kids First, REI, Rhode Island Department of Health, United HealthCare, Wal-Mart, Coast 93.3 and Whole Foods Markets.
For more information, contact Steven Wright at (401) 222-2632 or email at RIparks [at] dem [dot] ri [dot] gov or Terri Bisson at (401) 222-3434, ext. 4402 or email at terri [dot] bisson [at] dem [dot] ri [dot] gov.
Related posts
FWC Announces Cedar Keys Youth Summer Fishing Program
May 27, 2008
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces a series of summer inshore fishing clinics for children at the Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Lab in Cedar Key. This program is open to youths between the ages of 6 and 16.
The one-day clinics will take place in June and July. Participants will learn about fish identification, knot tying, casting, bait types, habitat types, gear care and more. The clinic will end with catch-and-release pier fishing.
Organizations and individuals are invited to participate in this free FWC program.  For information on how to reserve a clinic date or to be a clinic sponsor or volunteer, call 352-543-6089.
The FWC’s Nature Coast Fishing in Cedar Key program hosts these youth fishing events. The program is co-sponsored by Fish Florida and Sport Fish Restoration (SFR).
Fish Florida is a non-profit organization that supports organizations that teach about Florida’s fish and aquatic resources. Funding comes from the Fish Florida specialty license plate featuring one of Florida’s saltwater fish, the sailfish.
The SFR program, which provides funds to states for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education, was created by the federal government to restore and better manage America’s declining fishery resources. Funding for SFR comes from an excise tax on all fishing equipment, motor boats and small engine fuels.
Related posts
Archery and Rifle Target Shooting Leagues For All Ages
May 26, 2008
Do you need some friendly competition? Do you want to improve your target shooting?
If yes, come out and enjoy the comfortable evenings under the lights of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering summer shooting leagues starting in June.
The archery league begins June 11 and meets each Wednesday for eight weeks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the FITA archery range at Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Leagues will follow the Federation of International Target Archery (FITA), the governing style for Olympic target archery shooting. Targets will consist of 3-spot or 4cm at 20 yards. Both youth and adult divisions are available. Youth is for ages 8-17. Adult leagues are for participants 18 and older.
The cost is $60 for adults and $30 for youths. Loaner bows are available but consist of introductory-type models only. Preregistration is required; contact Mike Raum at (623) 582-8313 or mraum [at] azgfd [dot] gov.
The rimfire rifle league (.22/.17) begins June 10 and meets each Tuesday for eight weeks from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on the Small Bore Range at Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Participants will shoot at 25, 50 and/or 100-yard target distances. Scoped and open sights are permitted. All ages are welcome and encouraged.
The cost is a $10 league fee and $5 per night per distance. Youths, ages 17 and younger are half price. A limited selection of loaner rifles is available. Preregistration is required; contact Nancy Hays at (623) 582-8313 or nhays [at] azgfd [dot] gov.
To learn more about target shooting or the Ben Avery Shooting facility, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.
