ODFW opportunities for women

[Jennie@ifish]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact: Nancy Smogor (503) 872-5264 x5358
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 872-5700

For Immediate Release July 15, 2002

ODFW Offers Family Fishing Workshop for Beginning Anglers
Registration Ongoing for Women's Summer and Fall Workshops

PORTLAND - As part of its expanding menu of outdoor skills workshops, the Oregon's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will host a parent-child fishing clinic next month at Benson State Park.
The day-long workshop will be held Saturday, August 10, in the Columbia Gorge at Benson State Park, a 30-minute drive from Portland. A $60 registration fee covers the cost for one adult and one child to receive instruction, three meals, resource materials and the use of all equipment. Children 8 years and older are welcome to attend and parents may bring more than one child. The fee for additional children is $10 per child.
"This is a new event for the program and one that participants have been requesting. I'm anxious to see what kind of response we get to this event," said Nancy Smogor, coordinator for ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. "If we get a good turnout, we will offer additional family events in the future, covering a wider range of topics."
In addition to fishing instruction, the clinic will offer classes on tackle crafting, what to do with your fish after you catch it, and fish printing.
The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation will co-sponsor the event. As a sponsor, the ODPR purchased rods and reels for kids who attend so they can stay involved in fishing. Oregon Bass and Panfish Club members will help as instructors for the workshop.
Scholarships also are available for those who cannot afford the full cost.
The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, has grown significantly over the past several years with help from local and national businesses and organizations, including Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International - Portland Chapter, and the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club. The assistance allows the workshops to provide qualified course instructors, equipment and materials, and the funding for scholarships to give women the skills and information they need to access the outdoors.
Workshop registration has increased as more women find out about the program. Registration now is in progress for several other workshops scheduled through the end of the year. ODFW currently is accepting registration forms for the following events:

· Eagle Cap Horsepacking Workshop - July 19-21
· Scappoose Bay Kayaking Adventure - August 3-4
· Pheasant Hunt - Corvallis - September 7
· Pheasant Hunt - Medford - September 14-15
· Fly Fishing for Steelhead - Troy - October 4-6
· Multi-Activity Workshop - La Grande - October 26
· Fly Fishing for Steelhead - Grants Pass - November 2

Additional information about the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program and registration materials are available on the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us or by calling Nancy Smogor at (503) 872-5264, Ext. 5358. Space is limited for all workshops and pre-registration is required.
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Anne Pressentin Young
Public Information Officer
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5356
anne.m.pressentin@state.or.us