SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department f Fish and Wildlife is offering anyone 18 years of age or older the opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor related skills through the Passport to the Outdoors and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) programs.

“These programs provide participants with hands-on, skill building activities in a casual environment,” says Nancy Smogor, statewide program coordinator. “We provide an opportunity for people to try an activity to see if they like it before they invest in equipment. We also offer opportunities for people to enhance the skills they already have so that they may enjoy the outdoors even more and share their experience with others.”

Passport to the Outdoors and BOW workshops are held year-round throughout the state and are open to anyone 18 years of age and older, with a few exceptions. In an effort to expand on the BOW workshops offered in the past, ODFW now hosts events that welcome families and men to participate.

There are several exciting workshops being held between now and the end of the year.  These workshops include:

Sept. 15 - Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Pheasant hunting clinic at Klamath Wildlife Area 

This workshop will include sessions on shotgun safety, upland bird hunting techniques and hunting with dogs. A field experience will be offered as part of the workshop with volunteer guides, dogs and support provided by the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association and Unlimited Pheasants. This workshop is focused primarily towards women.

Sept. 22 - Fly Fishing for Steelhead on the Rogue River at Valley of the Rogue State Park near Grants Pass

This workshop will give you the opportunity to hone your basic fly fishing skills while learning why steelhead are called “the fish of 10,000 casts.” Hopefully, you won’t need to cast 10,000 times to hook one, but volunteer instructors will be on hand to provide guidance and coaching while you build your confidence and skill level. Adult men and women are welcome to attend.

Oct. 6 - Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Sporting Clays and Shotgun Clinic in Gervais (near Woodburn)

Mitchell’s Clay Target Sport Center will provide the facilities for this exciting hands-on workshop.  No matter what your skill level, sporting clays is a great way to improve your existing skills or learn some new ones. All the basics of shotgunning will be covered and there will be ample time on the range to put your new skills to work. This workshop is focused primarily towards women.

Oct. 20-21 - Build Your Own Fly Rod in Central Point

This workshop will give you the skills to start with a basic rod blank and create your own fly rod from scratch. All materials will be provided and instruction will be given by local rod builder, Roger Fairfield. At the end of the weekend, each participant will have 2-piece, medium action fly rod to take home. Adult men and women are welcome to attend.

Dec. 1-2 - Build Your Own Longbow in Tillamook

This workshop will allow you to create your own wooden longbow. Master Bowyer, John Strunk, will share his knowledge and expertise with you as he takes you through the process from wood stave to finished bow. No prior experience is necessary to create your own one-of-a kind work of art. Adult men and women are invited to attend this workshop.

Space is limited for each worksho and pre-registration is required. Registration fees vary but all workshops include meals, equipment, materials and instruction. Several workshops are designed primarily for beginners, but all skills levels are welcome to join in the fun.

For additional information about these workshops, Passport to the Outdoors or the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, contact Nancy Smogor at (503) 947-6018 or by e-mail at nancy.e.smogor@state.or.us or visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/education/index.asp