Great Outdoor Event for Maine Women

Lots of outdoor fun is available for women 18 years old or older, thanks to DIFW’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman events. The next one is scheduled for May 20, and it’s time to register.

You can register here.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman: Spring Mini

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program provides opportunity for women who are 18 years of age or older to gain or improve skills in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. The program is sponsored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and hosted by the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant Pond.

The cost to attend is $85 and includes lunch and all instruction, gear and equipment!

Here’s more info about what’s scheduled that day.

This one-day intro will offer participants the chance to complete 3 workshop sessions of their choice. Topics vary, including sessions in forest ecology, wild game cooking, 3 different shooting sports, hunting and fishing skills, basic survival skills and many more.
May 20, 2018 – Registration starts at 8 AM.

Register Online
http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=856&idSession=188215
BOW Spring Mini 2018 sessions –
Session I – 9:15-11:30
• Bass Fishing: Join well-known bass fisherman Corey Vose from the Man vs. Bass Trail. Your workshop will include lure selection, where to fish, and specific techniques that only apply to Bass.
• Introduction to Crossbow Hunting: NEW! The popularity of crossbow shooting continues to grow and has become a mainstream activity, alongside archery and firearms. The crossbow allows for folks with physical limitations to shoot successfully and ads a level of challenge for folks that are simply looking for a new method of pursuing game. By the end of this workshop you’ll have a complete understanding of the equipment, functionality, and enjoyment that makes crossbow so unique. Participants will leave with a Crossbow Safety Course guidebook and the information needed to enroll in a safety course in the future (Required if one chooses to hunt with a crossbow)
• Primitive Skills- The Order of Survival: Learn the basics of survival from one of our lead Primitive Skills Instructors, Laura Mangan. She’ll guide you through the basics of the Order of Survival, and you’ll soon find yourself immersed in a natural place that will feel uncommonly familiar.
• Wild Game Cooking: After a successful hunt, there’s more work to be done; it’s time to prepare that wild game for the table! There is simply nothing more satisfying than preparing great food that you’ve provided for yourself!
• Fly Tying: Spring is just around the corner…and that means fly fishing! Let us show you how to tie a fly that is guaranteed to catch fish! You’ll have a chance to tie several flies of your own, and learn a bit about fishing for Brook Trout and salmon as well.
• Bowhunting/Archery: Hit the bullseye with this workshop and learn how to shoot safely and accurately! Our certified 4-H instructors will get you on target quickly and by the end of this session you’ll become a proficient archer, and possibly a better bow hunter! We’ll cover equipment, shooting form, and how to choose your first bow.
• Fly Fishing Basics: For folks that have learned the basics of fly casting, this workshop will introduce new skills that will give you all of the knowledge you’ll need to successfully outfit yourself and hit the trout stream! As with most outdoor sports, choosing the right equipment can seem daunting. You will soon learn just what you need to get started. You will also learn about places to go, rules and regs, and how to go about planning a day trip. Each participant will leave with not only the confidence to get out there and start enjoying this traditional activity, but also leave with a starter pack of tied flies!
• Safe Pistol Shooting In this workshop, we’ll cover handgun safety and safe shooting practices. Pistol shooting is growing in popularity, and was recently added as a 4-H Shooting Sports discipline in Maine. You’ll spend time covering the basics with plenty of range time and a chance to discuss firearms safety in the home or vehicle.
• Guided Mt Christopher Hike: NEW! Join Aislinn Sarnacki, author of the book “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine” and a reporter for Bangor Daily News’ BDN Outdoors and Homestead sections, on a guided hike to the summit of Mt Christopher. This hike will take you to the scenic vista that overlooks Lake Christopher and the surrounding mountains. Explore the glacial erratics along the way and immerse yourself in this natural setting. Abundant wildlife and birds may be spotted along the way. This is a moderate hike that takes about 1 ¼ hours to the peak, and slightly less upon return.
• Map and Compass: GPS use is on the increase, but basic map and compass skills are the key to navigation in the back country. Learn how to read topographic maps and put a compass to use. Orient a map, find a bearing, and set a course… soon you’ll find out how much fun it is!
Session II – 12-:45-2:45
• Becoming a Hunter: NEW! This workshop is focused on a comprehensive approach for folks new to hunting or that simply want insight in how to get started. Many of our workshops cover various topics on specific hunting focuses or activities, but this workshop will set the stage for success in getting started! Each participant will learn how to navigate through hunter safety, connect to existing conservation opportunities, and learn about the various types of hunting, equipment, and skills involved. Part of the workshop will be spent outdoors learning how to read the forest, scout for signs of wildlife and explore the various tactics used in stand hunting, still hunting, ground blinds and other methods. All participants will leave with information on registering for a hunter or bowhunter course in their area. Folks will also have a direct link and continued support to help in guiding them towards choosing equipment, find places to hunt, and other information.
• Shotgun and Sporting Clays: Breaking clays is a great way to spend the day! We’ll work on safe gun handling and basic shot gunning and then we’ll take it to the sporting clays range for some high-flying clay target shooting! Learn proper stance, follow through, and point and shoot techniques from certified instructors, and have plenty of time to shoot. Ear and eye protection is supplied.
• Climbing Wall: Whether it’s your first time at an indoor rock-climbing wall or you’re an old pro, let our trained staff belay you up our 35’ wall! We’ll cover gear, safety basics, and different techniques to give you the best advantage at tackling this vertical challenge. All the equipment is provided. However, if you have climbing shoes feel free to bring them, all other equipment used must be ours
• Primitive Skills- Wild edibles and foraging: There’s such a bounty to be had right here in the forest, all you have to do is look in the right places! Gain awareness and learn how to find edible plants and other useful components in nature. Laura Mangan is our lead Primitive Instructor, and she will guide you on this journey!
• Fly Tying: Spring is just around the corner…and that means fly fishing! Let us show you how to tie a fly that is guaranteed to catch fish! You’ll have a chance to tie several flies of your own, and learn a bit about fishing for Brook Trout and salmon as well.
• Canoe Tripping-Beyond the Basics: Maine is home to more rivers and navigable waters than almost anywhere else in the country. Because of this, canoeing has been one of the oldest forms of transportation, connecting villages to each other, or allowing hunters and fishing folks to explore way off the beaten path. Rivers such as the Allagash, St Croix, and other offer experiences like no other and to paddle in these places, you need to be proficient in not only your paddling strokes, but in trip planning. Learn how to paddle efficiently, paddle effectively in wind, and proper loading as well as portaging. Soon you’ll be anxious to plan your first trip!
• Fly Casting: Mastering the fly rod takes a little practice, but here, you’ll learn basic casting methods, and you’ll even have time to wet a fly. You’ll soon realize it’s easier than you think! This workshop will focus on successful casting technique and fly presentation in various situations.
• Trapping Basics: Maine has a long history of various methods of sustainably harvesting legal wildlife. Trapping is one of those management tools. In this workshop you will learn the basics of wildlife management practices, furbearer identification, and basic trapping sets and techniques. You will have a chance to practice with a pole, dirt, and water set, and learn how to lure various species while preventing non-target species to your site. This workshop is by a member of Maine Department of Inland and Fisheries.
• Bowhunting/3D Archery: Maybe you have some archery experience and want a new challenge, or maybe you simply want to begin bowhunting. Here, you’ll learn how to shoot at 3-D targets such as deer, bear, and turkey, and have a chance to learn shot placement, judging distance, and equipment.
• Fire Cooking: Have you ever tried getting that smoky fire-cooked taste, only to wind up with a charred mess? In this class we will teach you the art of fire cooking. We will introduce cooking directly in the coals with foil, dutch ovens and cast iron skillets. This primitive backcountry skill isn’t quite as hard as it may seem; with the right direction from our experienced teachers you will be baking up some tasty cobbler or stew in no time!
Session III – 3:00-5:00
• Bass Fishing: Join well-known bass fisherman Corey Vose from the Man vs. Bass Trail. Your workshop will include lure selection, where to fish, and specific techniques that only apply to Bass.
• Rifle: Need to sight in that new deer rifle, or learn the art of “plinking?” With this workshop you will learn safe gun handling, caliber selection, shooting positions and much more. You’ll be able to shoot .22 rifles, focusing on marksmanship and safety with plenty of shooting time!
• Fly Tying: Spring is just around the corner…and that means fly fishing! Let us show you how to tie a fly that is guaranteed to catch fish! You’ll have a chance to tie several flies of your own, and learn a bit about fishing for Brook Trout and salmon as well.
• Archery: Hit the bullseye with this workshop and learn how to shoot safely and accurately! Our certified 4-H instructors will get you on target quickly and by the end of this session you’ll become a proficient archer, and possibly a better bow hunter! We’ll cover equipment, shooting form, and how to choose your first bow.
• Turkey Hunting Basics: As the snows melt and spring arrives, so does Turkey season! Hunting this wary bird takes patience, skills, and know how. Learn how to dress, set up or construct a ground blind, set decoys, and practice your calling with various calls. Participants will leave with all of the basics to get started in this growing sport, and each will take home their own turkey call!
• Axemanship: Time for some spring-cleaning! In this workshop we will spend time learning safe handling techniques for axe, knife, and hand saw use. There will be time to learn and practice contact splits, knife splits, de-limbing and may even try our hands at a wet-day fire if there is time!
• Kayaking: What better way to spend a cool spring day than on the beautiful waters of Bryant Pond! Learn how to paddle safely, and explore the diverse shoreline on this amazing water body! You’ll be greeted by loons, and various ducks as they continue their migration South!
• Nature Hikes in Maine: NEW! This workshop will focus on planning and preparing yourself for the trail! Aislinn Sarnacki author of the book “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine” will share her experiences and soon you will hit the trail for a wonderful hike along the trails on Mt Christopher. This shorter hike will focus on equipment and safe solo hiking, as well as planning family day trips. Bring your water bottle, lace those boots, and don’t forget the camera!
• Campfire Cooking: Have you ever tried getting that smoky fire-cooked taste, only to wind up with a charred mess? In this class we will teach you the art of fire cooking. We will introduce cooking directly in the coals with foil, dutch ovens and cast iron skillets. This primitive backcountry skill isn’t quite as hard as it may seem; with the right direction from our experienced teachers you will be baking up some tasty cobbler or stew in no time!
• Rock Hounding: Western Maine is home to some of the most unique and diverse pockets minerals and semi-precious gemstones anywhere in the world. Because of this, “rock hounding” is quite common here, as evidenced by the abundance of local mines, gem shops, and folks that visit to look for new specimens. In this workshop you will learn a bit about this history, and how to identify various specimens found here. You’ll soon be searching through real mine tailings looking for blue or black tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline, feldspar, quartz, biotite and more!

University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond
17 Conservation Lane, PO Box 188 Bryant Pond, Maine 04219
Tel: 207.665.2068 Fax: 207.665.2768 extension.bryantpond@maine.edu

George Smith

About George Smith

George stepped down at the end of 2010 after 18 years as the executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine to write full time. He writes a weekly editorial page column in the Kennebec Journal and Waterville Morning Sentinel, a weekly travel column in those same newspapers (with his wife Linda), monthly columns in The Maine Sportsman magazine, two outdoor news blogs (one on his website, georgesmithmaine.com, and one on the website of the Bangor Daily News), and special columns for many publications and newsletters. Islandport Press published a book of George's favorite columns, "A Life Lived Outdoors" in 2014. In 2014, George also won a Maine Press Association award for writing the state's bet sports blog. In 2016, Down East Books published George's book, Maine Sporting Camps, and Islandport Press published George and his wife Linda's travel book, Take It From ME, about their favorite Maine inns and restaurants.