From the President
May Schaefer

Greetings to all members of OWSD!!
Have you been bitten by the spring bug yet? Are you ready to get outside and just play in the dirt, plant gardens, take a walk, mow the lawn, clean out the bird feeders, and get ready for the spring bird migrations? I can’t wait to dig in the dirt and check plants in the garden. I’m looking through the garden seed catalogs (all 47 of them) and am eager for planting time. I drive past the rivers and anticipate sunny days of river floating with the warm summer breeze blowing and laughing with friends as we kayak and explore unknown waters. I close my eyes and see......more

From the Editor
Linda Harris

The officers and board members of your organization are focusing most of their energies on the upcoming convention. Classes are scheduled to help you learn a new outdoor activity or refresh your skills. The instructors are sure to make the classes educational and fun.

OWSD is also working hard to schedule Second Saturday/Sunday Gatherings (SSGs) at various locations across the state. These events have included a wide assortment of activities such as hiking and biking, fishing, building birdhouses, orienteering, and native plants. We welcome suggestions for topics whether it is something you would like to learn or something you know and want to share with others. Our insurance does not allow OWSD to sponsor high-risk activities; otherwise any outdoor activity or educational event will be considered. If you are interested in a particular subject or activity, let a board member know.
 

Second Sunday Gathering for February, West River
Outdoor Women of South Dakota Snowshoe Adventure
By Megan Allen

On February 11, 2006, the Outdoor Women of South Dakota took charge and explored the Black Hills on snowshoes. Twelve enthusiastic women met at Common Grounds café in Spearfish that morning and were greeted by Chris McCart, the Black Hills State University’s Outdoor Education Program Coordinator, and Megan Allen, who is majoring in Outdoor Education. After welcoming one another, Megan delivered a presentation that outlined the basics and benefits of snowshoeing. Soon after, a carpool was organized and the snowshoe hike began at the Iron Creek trailhead in Spearfish Canyon. Hiking into recently snow-covered hills brought an exploration feeling to group. About two miles in, and our turn-around point, Chris supplied the group with a nice break by supplying hot chocolate and homemade cookies. The trek back to the vehicles was filled with chatter and the sound of Iron Creek rippling beside us. At the vehicles, our departure was filled with cheerful smiles and new-formed friendships. Our day of snowshoeing came to an end, but was the start of an enjoyable hobby and lasting friendships.

 

OWSD Member Stacy Froelich Shares Her Fishing Experience in Mexico
Stacy and her fiancé, Derek Myhre, traveled to Mexico for an ocean fishing adventure. She writes about their trip.

We flew into Los Cabos, Mexico, in the morning on November 1 and were picked up by a shuttle. We had an hour and a half trip by van to our resort. The resort was located in Los Barillas, Mexico, on the east coast of the Baja peninsula. The next morning we were met at the docks by a fishing boat, a 28-foot cruiser with a captain and a deck hand. Once the lunch was loaded onto the boat, we proceeded out into the ocean approximately one mile. more

 

Updated 2006 Archery Education Course Listing
The Game, Fish and Parks archery education course listing has been updated....more

 

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SPRING HUNTSAFE COURSES

Register now for HuntSAFE classes this spring. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is offering two different sessions, and students may pick from attending on April 4, 6, and 8, or on the 18, 20, and 22.

The classes are at The Outdoor Campus on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15-9:30 p.m. and at the Valley West Shooting Complex on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants must attend all three days and times in order to complete the course.

Participants must be at least 11 years old to take the class and pre-register to attend. Students can register in person at the Game, Fish and Parks Regional Office at The Outdoor Campus. Someone 18 years or older with the authorization of the student's parent or guardian must fill out permission slips at the time of registration. Registration will begin on March 6th at the Game, Fish and Parks Regional Office. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The Game, Fish and Parks HuntSAFE program is also offering an online class for the first time this year. Students will take their classes online and complete online chapter quizzes. Students must attend a field day from 8 am. to 4 p.m on March 25 in order to pass the course. Pre-registration at the Game, Fish and Parks office is also required for the online class.

All HuntSAFE courses are free to the public. For more information, call 605-362-2700 or check out < http://www.sdgfp.info/> www.sdgfp.info.

Free GPS, Camping Classes this Spring at The Outdoor Campus

Learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) at a free class this spring at The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls.

"Our new spring class list has some great ideas for outdoor enthusiasts including basic GPS, canoeing and kayaking, and a class on planning your camping trip," Thea Miller Ryan, director of The Outdoor Campus said.

The free classes are all listed on The Outdoor Campus' website at www.outdoorcampus.org. Registration for spring classes begins February 15. Learn more by calling (605) 362-2777.

Thea Miller Ryan
Director, The Outdoor Campus
SD Game, Fish & Parks
www.outdoorcampus.org
Discover Your Own South Dakota!


 

Speaker Series at Mount Rushmore
Sundays in the Park :
Celebrating Diversity of Cultures Through History
(Most) Sundays January through March
For more information call Judy Olson, Chief of Interpretation and Public Information Officer, at 605-574-3114 or check the website: www.nps.gov/moru and click on special events.