Deer Hunting Wildavore Workshop Slated

Adults with a desire to learn big game hunting skills and participate in an actual big game hunt are invited to take part in an upcoming workshop tailored to give them the skills necessary to become successful hunters. The four-day Wildavore workshop - hosted by Idaho Fish and Game - will be held Saturday July 18th, Saturday July 25th, the evening of Friday July 31st and conclude on Saturday, August 1st. For more information regarding the Wildavore workshop, or to secure a workshop application, contact Fish and Game wildlife technician Liz Horsmon at 208-236-1267 or by email at Elizabeth.Horsmon@idfg.idaho.gov. "The workshop will focus on deer hunting and is open only to adults 18-years of age or older," Horsmon noted. "The ideal workshop candidate has little or no big game hunting experience and perhaps has no access to experienced hunting mentors." Held at the Boise River Wildlife Management Area and Lucky Peak Nursery near Boise, the workshop will include both classroom and outdoor experiences during which participants will learn: - Deer biology and preferred habitat; - The most effective deer hunting techniques; - Which hunting equipment is essential; - How to scout for hunting spots; - How to ethically harvest game; - How to dress, handle and cook harvested animals. The Wildavore workshop will culminate in an actual deer hunt with an experienced mentor. All equipment will be provided and workshop participants will learn to safely handle and shoot rifles prior to the mentored hunt. Workshop fees are $25/person, which includes refreshments and venison lunches for all Saturday classes. Space is limited and participants must attend all sessions in order to participate in a mentored hunt. Hunter Education course completion is a workshop prerequisite. Through the Idaho Wildavore program, Fish and Game hopes to help connect an untapped but interested user group to wildlife conservation through the important role of hunting. "We hope to see workshop participants leave with the basic knowledge and experience needed to continue hunting on their own," Horsmon said. "The potential also exists for workshop participants to introduce the hunting tradition to family and friends."