Fish & Game To Host Traditional Outdoor Skills Day

In today's world technology rules. Whether it's cell phones, running shoes or laptops, technology is playing an ever increasing role in our daily lives. For beginning outdoorsmen and women, all the gizmos can be overwhelming. To help everyone understand what made being in the outdoors so enjoyable in the first place, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will be hosting a free traditional outdoor skills day on Saturday, August 1, at the Krupp Hollow Scout Camp near Lorenzo. For many outdoor enthusiasts, technology has become the norm and traditions are being forgotten. Just about every outdoor pursuit now has its share of gadgets, and hunting is no exception. From laser rangefinders to GPS units, hunting isn't what it used to be. While all these advances are fine in their own right, many current outdoor technology enthusiasts are unaware of the basic foundations of their pursuit. The driving force behind this event has been Clay Hayes, a wildlife technician at Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hayes organized the program because he feels strongly about people losing touch with the basics. "Lots of people are involved with outdoor activities today, such as archery hunting with a compound bow, but they are totally unaware of the longbow where it all began," Hayes said. "They've never experienced the skills required to do things the old fashioned way and how fun it can be." The day will be a mixture of seminars and demonstrations. Participants will be introduced to the basics of a wide variety of outdoor activities, and then will have a chance to try their hand at things. Fundamental activities to be covered include: traditional archery, stalking and still hunting, traditional muzzleloading, orienteering with map and compass, wilderness survival, animal tracking, horse packing, and care and use of hand saws and axes. Whether someone is well-versed in the advanced technology version of these activities or just wants to learn more about outdoor skills, this event is sure to have something for everyone. The day has been structured so individuals, families, or scout and church groups can attend. The event is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants are welcome for the whole day or just a few hours. "The point is to let people know what they have been missing and how simple it can be to have fun in the outdoors," Hayes said. Getting to the skills day is simple. The site is off Highway 20 at Lorenzo. The scout camp is on the south shore of the Snake River, east of where Highway 20 crosses the river. For more information contact the Fish and Game office in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7290.