decision time—women in the outdoors

Shooting a crossbow, Women in the Outdoors, 2011

The other day I received the flier for this years Women in the Outdoors event. I last went in 2011 and shot a cross bow. A highlight of this fitness journey. Though it has nothing what so ever to do with fitness. It has to do with the inner Girl Scout that begs to be let out. Pretty much monthly.

I don't know why I didn't go in 2012. Last year I didn't go because they didn't offer enough things that I'd be interested in. This year they are. Last time I said I need to shoot a gun. I'd like to do the crossbow again. And I've always wanted to kayak. And Lyd has always wanted to geocache and that's offered.

The choices from the brochure:

HANDGUNS: A qualified instructor will provide a broad spectrum of information about the safe operation and fundamentals of shooting handguns. At the end of this class, you will be capable of safely and confidently shooting a variety of different caliber handguns and will have the opportunity to do so.  

CONCEALED WEAPONS – SHOULD I CARRY?: If you are considering carrying a handgun for defensive reasons this course is for you. Participants will get a basic review of the application procedure to obtain a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit, learn the areas/circumstances where they can and cannot carry a concealed handgun, review available options to conceal a handgun, and most importantly, determine what situations would justify the use of deadly force.

SELF DEFENSE: Effective self defense incorporates the mental attitude and physical fortitude to significantly raise the chance of getting out of a threatening situation. This workshop trains participants to suppress panic and react immediately.

RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP: Come join us for fun and action on the firing range. Learn the fundamentals of marksmanship skills with an opportunity to shoot at targets with .22 caliber rim fire rifles.

SHOTGUNNING/TRAPSHOOTING: In this class, you will be familiarized with different types of shotguns, ammunition, proper gun fit, and gun cleaning. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot clay targets on the range.

TURKEY HUNTING 101: This class is all about Wild Turkeys and will focus on anatomy, how to distinguish between males and females, and help to familiarize the participant with sounds and habitat of the wild turkey. We will also discuss preparation, scouting, equipment and strategies associated with hunting them.

WATERFOWL HUNTING 101: If you’ve ever had an interest in hunting waterfowl and wanted more information on the subject, this is the class for you. Participants will learn duck and goose calling basics, as well as suggestions on how to lay out blinds and decoys.

KAYAKING: After you learn about the types and styles of kayaks available, you will have the opportunity to practice paddle stroke techniques and safety procedures on the water.

ARCHERY 101: Experience the thrill of hitting the mark using a bow and arrow. Whether you’re interested in the sport for backyard recreation, competition target shooting, or hunting, you’ll learn about equipment selection, and get lots of hands-on instruction at the outdoor range.

ADVANCED ARCHERY: We will do plenty of 3-D target shooting in this class with a focus on form and technique to improve and maintain accuracy. Proper equipment, shot placement, and recovery in a hunting setting will also be discussed. Please bring your own archery equipment for this class.

CROSSBOW BASICS: If you’ve never tried shooting a crossbow, it’s easy and a lot of fun. In this hands-on introductory course you will learn the basic functions and dynamics of the crossbow. Our instructors will cover modern crossbows and accessories, shooting and handling, responsibility, laws, and safety.

FLY FISHING: Learn basic fly fishing techniques and gain the fundamental knowledge you’ll need to get started in the most refined form of fishing. The course also offers information which will help you select a rod and reel, line weight, baits, and lures.

DOG TRAINING: Mark Wolfskill, proprietor of Pheasant Valley Farm, and Karen Shannon, guide and dog trainer at PVF, will present an overview of basic gun dog training, including basic field obedience, introduction to birds and gunfire, and a demonstration of a simulated hunting situation using live birds.

ANIMAL–HUMAN CONFLICT: “There’s a skunk living under my shed! Now what should I do?” Humans and wild animals often share the same spaces, and sometimes this can result in conflicts regarding where the animals nest, what they eat, and even property damage. Learn how to properly handle some of these conflicts, so you can minimize troubles between you and the furry and feathered critters we co-exist with on this wonderful planet.

OUTDOOR FIRST AID: This course is hands-on, providing the skills and confidence needed for making medical care decisions for those who spend time outdoors. Preparedness, stressing the “buddy system”, fracture stabilization, bandaging, recognizing serious injury/illness, and animal bites, will be covered.  

GEOCACHING 101: Geocaching is a hi-tech treasure hunt that challenges participants to find hidden treasures using a GPS, and has become the fastest growing sport in the world. This class will explain geocaching and how the game is played. We will also review the history of the GPS and, of course, go on a hunt or two.

BASKET WEAVING: This workshop is intended to give the beginner weaver a good start in learning the basics of basket making. You’ll have personal instruction in creating a basket to take home. *Additional $5.00 class fee required for materials.

BLUE BIRD BOXES: We will be covering information on Blue Birds, as well as learning to identify blue birds and their songs. You will also build a blue bird box to take home. *Additional $5.00 class fee required for materials.

SOAP CRAFTING: Also known as “melt & pour soap making”, this hands-on class will go over different popular techniques. We will start with a pre-made glycerin soap that you will melt, and then add scents and things like herbs, powdered milk, or clay. We will discuss other interesting things you can add to your soap, and finally, you will see how to package your works of art to impress. We will have a question and answer session before the close of class. All students will take home handouts and 2 bars of soap. *Additional $5.00 class fee required for materials.

OLD FASHIONED KETTLE PROCESSING: Let us share a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of yesteryear. In this class you will watch a demonstration on how to make venison scrapple the old fashioned way, using kettles set up over wood fires. Plus, you’ll get to sample the finished product.

CAST IRON COOKING: Why is this such a great way of cooking? Because you can make anything in a cast iron pan! Scrumptious roast meats, delightful vegetarian dishes, delectable hors d’oeuvres, aromatic breads and sinful desserts. This class introduces the basic skills required to cook with cast iron, along with cleaning and care of your investment.

OUTDOOR COOKING: Cooking in the great outdoors is a big adventure for most. A good starting point is to learn a few basic outdoor cooking methods, as well as types of available equipment. So, sit back, relax, and let Master Outdoor Chef Mike Vaka bring out the culinary genius in you.

I can only pick four. But which four? The underlined ones I took the last time. Plus on on editable plants which is not being offered this time. So the in red are my first choices. I think. The ones in brown are second choices. Maybe. I'd like to do things that I cannot do elsewhere.

It's $55 for the day. Yeah, that's steep. However, it includes b'fast and a home made / grilled lunch (that Bonnie probably can't eat, if she'd come along.) It also includes membership in the National Turkey Wildlife Foundation. That means another year of turkey hunting magazines. The membership, I am fairly sure, is an insurance thing. The rest of the money goes to education programs and protecting habitat. It's a win-win, right?

I do know at this event you walk a lot. Especially if you have a class at the waterfront. The Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club property is huge.

Thinking about it....