Registration Opens for DFG’s Annual Pre-Season Waterfowl Hunting Clinic
OutdoorHub 07.27.12
California’s 2012 waterfowl season is quickly approaching, and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is offering tips to help both new and advanced hunters prepare for a successful harvest.
“The Central Valley has some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities in the state,” says DFG Lt. Shawn Olague, who teaches the one-day clinic. “This clinic is a great opportunity to acquire new skills, learn more about the terrain and get into the right mindset so you’re prepared in October.”
Hunters of all skill levels will benefit from DFG’s annual waterfowl hunting clinic, which will be held at the Los Banos Wildlife Area on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic, which is jointly sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Advanced Hunter Education program and the California Waterfowl Association, will teach tried-and-true techniques for successfully hunting waterfowl in the grasslands of California’s Central Valley. Topics to be covered include decoy placement, blind design, waterfowl calling, duck identification, hunting gear, game care, cooking tips and safety.
The cost of the clinic is $45 for adults. Students 16 years and younger are free, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Space is limited and participants must register in advance at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced. After registering, participants will receive an e-mail with directions to the Wildlife Area and a list of items to bring to the clinic.
In the Central Valley, duck season traditionally begins on the third weekend in October and lasts until the last weekend in January. Prime public lands open to waterfowl hunting include the Los Banos, West Hilmar, North Grass Lands, Volta and Mendota Wildlife Areas and the San Louis National Wildlife Area.
