DEM offers two workshops
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife, in partnership with RI Pheasants Forever
and the Federated RI Sportsmen's Clubs, will offer a free training workshop and
orientation for junior pheasant hunters aged 12 to 14 on Saturday, September 7
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston. The
session is open to all junior hunters who have completed a hunter education
class.
Topics that will be covered during the workshop include proper gear and clothing; rules and regulations for pheasant hunting; pheasant habitat and behavior, with live pheasants on hand for demonstration and discussion; gun safety in the field; introduction to hunting dogs; clay target shooting; and information about the October 12-13 junior pheasant hunting weekend.
DEM will provide safety gear, along with 12 and 20-gauge ammunition. Participants may bring their own shotgun or borrow one that will be provided during the session. Lunch and assistance will be provided by RI Pheasants Forever and the Federated RI Sportsmen's Clubs.
Pre-registration is required. To register, contact DEM's hunter education office at 539-0019.
Topics that will be covered during the workshop include proper gear and clothing; rules and regulations for pheasant hunting; pheasant habitat and behavior, with live pheasants on hand for demonstration and discussion; gun safety in the field; introduction to hunting dogs; clay target shooting; and information about the October 12-13 junior pheasant hunting weekend.
DEM will provide safety gear, along with 12 and 20-gauge ammunition. Participants may bring their own shotgun or borrow one that will be provided during the session. Lunch and assistance will be provided by RI Pheasants Forever and the Federated RI Sportsmen's Clubs.
Pre-registration is required. To register, contact DEM's hunter education office at 539-0019.
And this one to train dogs to point at birds…
Topics that will be covered during the 6-hour workshop include purchasing the right dog for your needs; training techniques for pointing, backing and retrieving; proper equipment; care and conditioning; problem solving; and hunting and field trial opportunities.
The program is open to all interested participants, and it is not necessary to bring a dog to the workshop. Individuals who do not currently own a dog, but are interested in getting a dog in the future, are also welcome to participate. Professional trainers will work with both dogs and humans to help them attain their goals. The program is geared toward pointing breeds only, and all dogs will be offered an opportunity to point live birds in a controlled training situation.
Dogs must be leashed and under the participant's control. Attendees are asked to bring enough water to sustain their dog throughout the day, as no water is available on site. Lunch and refreshments will be provided through the generosity of the South County Field Trial Club.
The program is limited to 30 participants with one dog apiece. To register, contact Carolann McGovern in DEM's hunter education office at 539-0019 weekdays or via email at carolann.mcgovern@dem.ri.gov; or Edward McGovern at 539-3178 evenings. Participants will be asked to provide their contact information and the name, age and breed of dog if they plan to bring a dog to the workshop.