Women's Hunting Clinic Set for June 20

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled a hunting clinic to introduce the sport of hunting to women and to help female hunters further their hunting skills. The 16th annual Panhandle Region "Women in Hunting" clinic will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Coeur d'Alene Rifle and Pistol Club, 5105 Atlas Road, Coeur d'Alene. Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, call the Idaho Fish and Game at 208-769-1414. The "Women in Hunting" clinic has become a popular annual event, with much of the popularity attributed to the fact that the instructors are women who already enjoy hunting. They are volunteering their time to teach other women about the sport. The instructors have developed an effective team approach, with each instructor researching and specializing in a subject area. Past participants have enjoyed the clinics because they appreciate the fact that the instructors are women who have hunting experience. Topics covered at the "Women in Hunting" clinic include firearm safety, hunting regulations (how and why they were developed), preparation for the field, map and compass use, and hunting ethics. While hunting has often been viewed as an activity that men practice, more women and girls are taking up hunting. In fact, female hunters comprise the fastest growing segment of the hunting public. Husbands are encouraging their wives to take up hunting so they can enjoy additional time together in the outdoors. Mothers are learning to hunt to develop an activity they can enjoy with their children. Parents are sending their daughters to hunter education classes so they can learn safe gun handling. Many girls who have completed the class made the decision to become hunters. Participants in past women's clinics identified the shooting range activities as the highlight of the workshop, including the opportunity to shot various rifles from .22's to 30.06's at paper targets and bows at 3-D archery targets. The fee of $5 includes a barbecue lunch. Women and girls of all ages with an interest in hunting are encouraged to attend.