Annual Outdoor Women of South Dakota Convention
            Storm Mountain Retreat Center, Rapid City, South Dakota
      April 13, 14, and 15, 2007
 

March Second Sunday Gathering—West River
Linda Harris

The Second Sunday Gathering was held in Custer State Park on Sunday, March 11. The event was to be a scenic snowshoe hike through the woods and granite outcroppings near Sylvan Lake. Due to lack of snow, we had a traditional hike. Students Ryan and Alex from the Black Hills State University Outdoor Education Program lead the group to Little Devils Tower near Harney Peak. There were 9 trekkers on the hike of just under 6 miles. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful opportunity to get outside with other outdoor fans.

The often steep and rocky trail had some patches of ice and snow to keep things interesting. We all managed to stay upright, though. After some rock scrambling to the summit, we were rewarded with spectacular views of Harney Peak, the back of Mt. Rushmore, and the Cathedral Spires. You could also see Terry Peak and the City of Custer. The highlight of the hike had to be the three Mountain Goats we first saw on the way up. They were on a granite ledge above the trail. We were fortunate to see them again on the way down. They obliged Ryan by posing for his last picture on the roll of film. It was entertaining to watch the Mountain Goats watching us.
 

The Black Hills National Forest Moon Walk schedule

Go to this site for a list of walks scheduled this coming summer: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/news/2007/03/30_moonwalk_2007.shtml 

Archery Education Courses Listed for 2007
SD Game, Fish & Parks

Classes are being offered across the state for those hunters who want to take to the field this year with a bow and arrow. It is a requirement in South Dakota that all first-time bowhunters and all bowhunters under the age of 16 must complete a International Bowhunter Education Foundation sanctioned bowhunter education course before getting an archery hunting license.

The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department maintains a listing of classes on its Web site, http://www.sdgfp.info/.  To access the course listing, on the home page just look under the subheading “Outdoor Education” for the link entitled “Bowhunter Education Courses.”

“We strive to update the course listing as soon as we find out about a new class,” said GFP HuntSAFE Coordinator Curt Robertson. “Not every community has a class so hunters need to plan ahead to find one that’s conveniently located near them.”

Archery elk hunters should also be aware that all hunters, regardless of age or experience, who plan to apply for this season must have the National Bowhunter Education certification.

Current course listings, and a number to call for details include:
· March 17, Milbank, Hardware Hank, 432-4933.
· March 23 and 24, Mobridge, 845-7814.
· March 24, Pierre, Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, 224-6528.
· March 28 and 29, Rapid City, Ramkota, 394-9663.
· March 30 and 31, Brookings, Bio Stress Lab, 697-6348 or 627-9466.
· March 31, Watertown, (605) 886-5891.
· April 7, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· April 21, Mitchell, Cabela’s, 996-0337, ext. 8539.
· May 12, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· June 9, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· July 14, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· July 21, Chamberlain, Game, Fish and Parks Regional Office, 734-4530.
· Aug. 25, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· Aug. 11, Mitchell, K&B Archery, 996-9810.
· Aug. 11, Pierre, Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, 224-6528.
· Sept. 22, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· Sept. 29, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.
· Oct. 13, Sioux Falls, Outdoor Campus, (712) 476-9479.

Courses are added to the Web site listing as they are received. People who want to take a class are encouraged to check back online often.

Registration Available for Family Outdoor Skills Weekend
Game, Fish & Parks News Release

Does your family want to learn new outdoors skills? If so, take a look at the annual Becoming an Outdoor Family workshop hosted by the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation. Registration materials for the workshop are now available.

Custer State Park is hosting the 2007 workshop on June 15-17, Friday night through Sunday afternoon. Registration is only $50 per family and covers camping fees, participation and some materials. Workshop participants will also need a park entrance license, tent or camper, sleeping bags and other basic personal items, detailed in the registration packet. For information on possible financial assistance, please call (605) 773-3391. more...
 

Palisades State Park Hosts Photography Walk in the Park
SD GF&P News Release, 4//7/07

Palisades State Park is well known for its sheer Sioux quartzite cliffs and scenic beauty. Visitors to the park can enjoy the scenery and learn photography tips at the Earth Day Photo Walk on April 21.

The walk will take visitors on several trails that showcase the unique natural features of the park. Along the way, participants will have the opportunity to take pictures as well learn some photography tips. Beginners are encouraged to attend, as the informal atmosphere is great for asking questions and learning new techniques. “Several members of the Sioux Falls Camera Club will be at the event to share their experiences and talents with participants,” said district park supervisor Marty DeWitt. more...

South Dakota State Park Recreation Opportunities

For additional information on South Dakota State park recreation opportunities visit the state parks website at http://www.sdparks.info/ or call (605) 773-3391.
 

Custer State Park Hosts Wagon Train Adventure
GFP news release

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. A limited number of “seats” are still available to participate in a unique opportunity to step back into the wild, wild west and experience an old-fashion wagon train adventure firsthand.

A four-day wagon trip through Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota will take participants through parts of the park not accessible by modern day vehicles. The adventure starts the evening of July 20, 2007, and goes through the morning of July 24, 2007.

The 30-mile trail will take participants on horseback and in wagons from the southeast corner of the park to the northeast corner of the park. After assembling at the Custer State Park buffalo corrals and camping overnight, the group will spend the next three days and nights cooking in pioneer fashion and sleeping in tents along the trail. The wagon train will travel 10 miles each day and will include up to 40 wagons, 150 horses and 250 people. more...
 

Details for the events listed in our calendar will be posted when they become available. Please check back often for updates.

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