The clinic is one of several advanced hunting workshops scheduled through the fall that will focus on the skills necessary to make a hunting trip successful. The courses are open to men and women.
Cost is $50, donated to the California Wildlife Foundation, and camping at the Wilderness Unlimited Recreational Vehicle Park, a co-sponsor of the event, is available at no charge. Deadline for registration is June 18.
"This is the first time we have focused on Big Game hunting," said Susan Herrgesell, advanced hunter education program coordinator. "We'll study deer primarily, but we will offer information on wild pig, antelope and elk. People want to learn how to hunt Big Game effectively. This clinic will teach them how to do that; what to look for, where to go, what to expect."
Herrgesell said hunting experts would provide participants with hands-on instruction during four concurrent sessions - two four-hour sessions on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each participant will attend all four sessions.
• Session A will cover hunt preparation, including deer and habitat, regulations, basic gear, survival gear, preseason scouting, first aid, and navigation.
• Session B will cover firearms, bows, and marksmanship. Training involves rifles, shotguns, pistols, bows, muzzleloaders, sighting in, and target practice is offered as well.
• Session C will cover hunting strategies, including deer senses, scrapes, rubs and trails, still hunting, staking, stands and blinds. There will be instruction on where to aim, and shoot/don't shoot scenarios.
• Session D involves information regarding after the shot, such as finding the deer, blood trails, photography, tagging, field dressing, skinning, butchering and cooking.
Registration forms are accessible at www.dfg.ca.gov/coned/huntclinics, or call (916) 653-7448 for information.
Herrgesell said DFG would serve a barbeque at 6 p.m. Saturday, with participants providing their own side dishes. All other meals are the responsibility of the participant. Representatives from hunting organizations will be available during the weekend event. In addition, manufacturers have provided raffle items that include hunting knives, binoculars, and field apparel.
The clinic is for hunters who have completed DFG's mandatory hunter education course, Herrgesell said. "New hunters have learned how to be safe, taught to them as part of DFG's Hunter Education Program," she said. "We're teaching them how to be successful.
Directions to Williams:
From Highway 5 and Highway 20, immediately north of Williams, take Highway 20 (east) toward Colusa and go approximately 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right. Signs are posted for "Wilderness Unlimited RV Park."
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