Camps, field days set in region

If hands-on learning is your thing, look no further than Idaho Department of Fish & Game's Learn to Hunt and Fish Camp in the Panhandle Region. Not only do participants leave hunter education certified, but they also leave with more specialized hunting and fishing know-how compared to a standard hunter education class.

If residents who are already hunter education certified but are interested in hands-on experiences in hunting techniques and live fire with rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and bows, IDFG officials said the department's new Hunting and Shooting Skills Field Days might be just what they are looking for.

At the department's Learn to Hunt and Fish Camp, participants are taught a variety of skills from seasoned pros, IDFG officials said. Beyond receiving a hunter education certificate, participants get the opportunity to participate in live-fire activities with modern bowhunting equipment and firearms (.22 caliber rifles, 20-gauge shotguns and muzzleloaders) under the instruction and supervision of NRA-certified range safety officers. 

Participants also learn basic outdoor survival skills in group survival scenarios, practice game tracking, discover the science behind setting hunting seasons, try their hand at some primitive hunting skills, become “bear aware” and more.

Similar to last year’s camps, the last day of camp will be focused on learning the nuts and bolts of fishing, Fish & Game officials said.

The day camp is a one-time opportunity for students between the ages 10 and 15 who have not yet received their hunter education certificate but want to do so. If youth have already participated in a Learn to Hunt and Fish Camp or a hunter education class, they cannot attend camp.

Learn to Hunt and Fish Camp will be offered July 8-11 this summer. Registration is required and can be completed at register-ed.com/events/view/225349.

The cost for camp is $30 for four days of personalized instruction and mentoring from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, along with hunter/bowhunter certification upon passing the test.

Information: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, idfg.idaho.gov