Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program offers Waterfowl Workshop in Brighton (MI) Sept. 24

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering a waterfowl workshop specifically designed for women through the department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program (BOW). The workshop will be held Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton.

The workshop begins at Kent Lake within Island Lake Recreation Area. Consecutive morning sessions include:

• Duck Hunting 101 covers how to identify different species of ducks and an overview of Michigan waterfowl seasons and regulations, along with duck-hunting etiquette.
• Calling All Ducks is a primer on clothing, ammunition and choke patterns, blind layout, decoy setup and, of course, duck and goose calling.
• Dogs and Duck Hunting covers what to look for in choosing a puppy, dog-training tips and techniques, and dog care in the field. Trained dogs will be on site demonstrating their retrieving skills.

The afternoon session takes place at Island Lake Shooting Range, where participants will choose to shoot one round (25 targets) of trap or one round (25 targets) of skeet. Trained, certified instructors will be on hand to give plenty of guidance. Beginners are welcome; there is no minimum skill level required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shotguns, although there will be a limited supply available for use. Eye and ear protection will also be available for those who do not have their own. Participants will be provided with one box of 20-gauge ammunition, provided by Federal Ammunition, for target practice. Additional ammunition may be purchased at the range.

The cost is $50 and includes one round of trap or one round of skeet, all instruction, one box of target load and your own duck call to take home for practice. Beverages will be provided; however, participants must bring their own lunch.

BOW is designed to be a noncompetitive program in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.

For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow.

Island Lake Recreation Area is located at 12950 E. Grand River in Brighton. For more information about the shooting range, visit www.mishoot.com.

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering Island Lake Recreation Area. The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnr.