The 22nd annual Panhandle Region "Women's Outdoor Skills" clinic is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Additional optional activities will be available from 4-6 p.m.

The event is open to women interested in learning more about the outdoors. Sites for the day will include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional office at 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., and the Coeur d'Alene Trap and Skeet Club.

June is early to announce a clinic in August. However, considering how busy summers can be we are getting the word out now. Women who want to attend can plan it into their schedules and have a late summer highlight to anticipate.

Space is limited to 30 participants and reservations are required. To register, call the IDFG office at (208) 769-1414.

The clinic has become a popular annual event, with much of the popularity attributed to the fact that all the instructors are women who already enjoy the outdoors. They are volunteering their time to teach other women about wildlife-related recreation. The instructors have developed an effective team approach with each instructor specializing in a subject area.

Specific topics covered at the event include fly fishing, firearm safety and use, outdoor survival, map and compass skills, field care of fish and game, archery and preparation for the field.

While fishing and hunting have often been viewed as activities that men primarily practice, more women and girls are taking up these and other outdoor activities. Female hunters comprise the fastest growing segment of outdoor recreationists.

People are encouraging significant others to take up fishing and hunting so they can enjoy additional time together. Mothers are learning about the outdoors to develop an activity they can enjoy with their children. Parents are sending their daughters to hunter education classes so they can learn safe gun handling.

Julie Bryant, Fish and Game conservation officer, is once again organizing the event.

According to Bryant, "Participants in past women's clinics identified the shooting activities as a highlight of the workshop. We have the opportunity to shoot shotguns at clay targets and to learn how to shoot a bow. We will also demonstrate how to field dress a big game animal."

Also popular is the instruction in fly fishing. "It takes practice to learn the timing that is essential to casting a fly line. The no-stress setting of a women's only clinic provides a fun atmosphere for learning how," added Bryant.

There is a materials fee of $18 for the event which covers coffee, refreshments, lunch and course supplies such as ammunition, arrows and targets.

Women and girls of all ages with an interest in outdoor recreation are encouraged to attend. Once you are signed up, be prepared for a hands-on class and a day spent almost entirely outdoors.

For more information, contact Fish and Game at (208) 769-1414, or Julie Bryant at (208) 819-1309, Julie.bryant@idfg.idaho.gov.

Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator in Coeur d'Alene for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.