The Outdoor Woman Official Publication of the Outdoor Women of South Dakota To promote hands-on education and participation in outdoor activities with a primary focus on Women and Children" November 2005

From the President

Just a question for you to ponder: What are you truly thankful for this year?

What does being thankful mean? According to the dictionary, thankful means showing or feeling gratitude (appreciation for something received or kindness shown). With that in mind, I would like to have you think ahead towards Thanksgiving. Every year we have the opportunity to gather with family and friends, have a great meal, and visit for a day. Do we take the time to think about all that we have to be thankful for and say a blessing for the food and the company? more
 

From the Editor
Linda Harris

I have been observing the seasonal signs as we transition from fall to winter. The 2005 World Series is history, and high school football playoffs are heating up. Archery hunting gives way to the big-game rifle season. Trees, grasses, and many plants changed colors. Now most of the leaves have fallen and the vegetation is dying back. Farmers are finishing up the sunflower and corn harvest. Production in our vegetable gardens is complete, and the only blooming plants in our flower beds are the hearty fall varieties that have not been nipped by frost.

In this newsletter, take a look at the article on how to help your garden transition to winter. As I make the transition, I exchange the summer clothes in my closet with warmer attire. I plan to enjoy the last of the mild, fall weather before I start thinking about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

E-mail us at http://www.owsdnews@hills.net/.

WHAT IS YOUR MOUNTAIN LION IQ?
By Chris McCart
 

This year, several persons associated with the Outdoor Women of South Dakota have been working on a project to educate the public about the natural history and management of mountain lions in South Dakota. Laurie Root, Chad Tussing, Chris McCart, Jan Golliher, Anna Mehlhaff, and several others have collaborated on curriculum and activity guide for grades Kindergarten through twelve entitled "WILD about Mountain Lions." This guide contains accurate information about mountain lions and provides hands-on activities to teach youth about mountain lions and mountain lion management. This fall, sixteen educators more

My First Elk Hunt
By Peggy Underberg

You would think that since I grew up in small town Iowa, hunting would be a natural but it wasn't. My family didn't hunt, and I couldn't imagine killing anything. Then I married Jay, a man who grew up hunting and fishing the fields and rivers of South Dakota. During our first years of marriage I didn't see Jay hunt much, but he started hunting deer again. I learned quickly that you don't make holiday dinner plans on the opening weekend of West River deer season. (What were the Pilgrims thinking?) It didn't take me long to learn how to butcher a deer and get over the "oh icky" syndrome.
Then Jay had this great idea that I should apply for an elk tag more

How to Choose Hiking Footwear

The website for REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), www.REI.com, has how-to articles and shopping advice on outdoor gear and apparel. There are links on the left side of the homepage. Under “How to Choose Gear,” click on Expert Advice, then Camping/Hiking, then Hiking Boots. The paragraph below is the introduction to that section:

Choosing the right footwear may be the most important decision you make as a beginning backpacker. The shoes or boots you choose must be comfortable, durable and protective, mile after mile.

1. Select the appropriate boots or shoes based on your planned activity. Mountaineering boots must be much heavier and more substantial than day-hiking boots.
2. Learn about the materials used in hiking footwear. Do you need heavy, waterproof materials or lighter-weight, breathable ones?
3. Consider how boot construction will affect your activity.
4. Get your feet measured properly and then try on the boots with the appropriate socks. Take a test walk on a flat surface and then an incline and check for any slippage or discomfort.
 

The following articles are reprinted from the SD Game, Fish & Parks E-News for October 24, 2005

                                         Boating While Hunting? Safety and Equipment Still Applies

                                         Bald Eagles Call Some Missouri River State Parks Home

                                        Wild Game and Fish Can Only Be Gifted Away