State offers how-to on hunting deer

If you’re a big-game hunter, forget Africa or New Guinea. Go up to Williams.

The Department of Fish and Game will hold a big game huntingclinic for hunters of all skill levels at the Wilderness Unlimited RVPark in Williams, about 50 miles north of Sacramento.

“DFG is offering this course at the perfect time of year to assist hunters who are planning their big game hunts for the upcoming hunting season,” says Susan Herrgesell, the coordinator of what the department calls the Advanced Hunter Education Program.
Four instructional sessions will be conducted over a two-day period beginning Saturday, May 17 and ending Sunday, May 18. The sessions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Cost is $60 for the four sessions and space is limited.

The clinic focuses primarily on deer hunting but will offer information on hunting other big game species. Session I covers hunt preparation, including deer habits and habitat, hunting regulations, basic gear, survival gear, pre-season scouting, first aid and navigation. Session II focuses on marksmanship and will include rifles, shotguns, pistols, bows and muzzleloaders. Instruction will be given on sighting-in and time will be allotted for live-fire.

Session III covers hunting strategies and provides information on deer senses, identifying scrapes, rubs and trails and various hunting methods including still hunting and the use of stands and blinds. Instruction will be given on where to aim and “shoot-don’t shoot” scenarios. Session IV covers information on actions taken after the shot including trailing and locating the deer, photography, tagging, field dressing, caping, skinning, butchering and cooking.
DFG’s Advanced Hunter Education Program will provide all necessary class equipment. A potluck barbecue will be held Saturday evening.
Instructors will attend the potluck to interact with clinic articipants. There will be a raffle and prizes.

Tent and RV camping accommodations are available at the Wilderness Unlimited RV Park. Camping is free to participants. Motel accommodations are also available in nearby Williams.

If you are going to be in this area and are interested Registration forms are available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntclinics.

For more information about the clinics, please call (530) 347-3980.

By: Capital Staff of Capital Weekly