Craig Daily Press / Division of Wildlife hosts youth Cast and Blast

Archive for Saturday, June 6, 2009

Mike Swaro/courtesy. Enlarge photo.

Youths fish May 30 during the Division of Wildlife-sponsored youth Cast and Blast at Axial Basin. Thirty youths learned fishing and hunting techniques, and the DOW encouraged the youths to continue the hobbies in their lives.

Mike Swaro

June 6, 2009

Mike Swaro/courtesy

Division of Wildlife staff assist Cast and Blast participants with shotguns. During the event May 30, youths learned about shooting safety and various hunting scenarios.

The Division of Wildlife hosted a youth Cast and Blast on May 30 in Axial Basin. The event had a full roster of 30 youths from Craig and Meeker. Lunch, transportation and equipment were provided by DOW. The day promoted interest in outdoor activities and focused on fly fishing and shotgun shooting. The primary goal of this event was to recruit young people into hunting and fishing.

The youths spent a full day in the field with local game wardens, biologists and the education coordinator. Half of the day was spent learning fly-fishing techniques, including knot tying and casting. Youths had success in catching green sunfish, crappie and trout on a fly rod.

The other half of the day was spent behind shotguns. Safety and gun handling was the top priority of this section, followed by basic shooting principles. The shooting incorporated multiple clay bird stations that mimicked a variety of hunting type scenarios.

The DOW would like to thank the Northwest chapter of the Colorado Outfitters Board, Colowyo Mine and Redi Services for their contributions. The DOW also hosts youth and ladies hunts each fall in Northwest Colorado. For more information about these events or about sponsoring an event, call the Meeker DOW Service Center at 878-6090.