AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 1
The Outdoorsman August 18 & September 22, 2011
PAGE 2 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Camping 101 Make your family camping trip a success Family vacations are a tradition for millions of families across the globe. Such vacations have declined in number over the last several years, when many families were forced to cut expenses in the midst of a struggling economy. Though the economy has gradually begun to rebound, families with fresh memories are still reticent to commit to costly vacations. One of the more affordable and family-friendly vacation options is camping. Families get the chance to experience some of nature’s most idyllic settings at a fraction of the cost of expensive resort vacations. But before venturing out in the great outdoors, a family should consider the following tips to ensure their camping vacation is a swimming success. • Research the weather. Before choosing a campsite, get a firm grasp of what to expect from Mother Nature while you’re there. Research weather patterns and how much the weather can vary during the time of year when you will be vacationing. Does the weather fluctuate significantly during the daytime and nighttime hours? Is rain likely or unlikely? Weather conditions will dictate which gear is necessary for the trip, and families might want to avoid campgrounds that are frequented by rain. Adults might be able to cope with a rainstorm or two, but such conditions may make everyone miserable. • Find an activity-friendly campground. When looking for a campground, look for one that boasts a lot of activities. Adults might enjoy the simple relaxation of camping, but kids will likely need more to do. Look for a campground that can offer activities the children will like, such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, or even mountain biking. • Determine who you are as campers. Not all campers enjoy the rustic life of camping. Some need to combine camping with the amenities of modern life, including running water and toilets that flush. Campers should be honest with themselves in regards to their needs in amenities when researching campgrounds. If you and your family will need a shower, consider renting an RV for the trip or choose a campground with accessible showers and restrooms. Veteran campers might scoff at such amenities, but families would likely prefer some combina-
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 3
tion of roughing it in the wild and modern day living. • Get the right gear. Entry to many campgrounds is free or nearly free. However, camping gear could cost money. The good thing about camping gear is it’s reusable. If this year’s camping trip is a success, then next year’s trip won’t cost nearly as much. Visit a local camping store and explain your situation, including what you hope to get out of the camping trip and where you’ll be heading. An associate should be able to help you find the right gear for your trip, including a tent, lights, a water filter, cooking materials, and inflatable mattresses. The materials needed for a successful camping trip are many, but again these materials are reusable and can last a lifetime if families choose the right gear. • Stock up on the essentials. Once you have purchased the right gear, don’t forget to stock up on the other essentials. Particularly during the warmer months, campgrounds can be very hot and insects abound. Be sure to bring adequate amounts of sunscreen and bug spray and apply each liberally every day. Even if the sky is overcast, apply sunscreen to avoid painful sunburn. Other essentials include toilet paper (bring more than you expect to use), bottled water, plates and utensils, and garbage bags. Be sure to bring extra garbage bags to avoid littering in the campground. • Don’t forget to have fun. Families should emphasize having fun when visiting the campground. Because camping is not a resort-style vacation, it’s up to Mom and Dad to entertain the kids. Bring along a guitar for a campfire sing-a-long, and pack a few board games the family can enjoy under the stars at night. If a nearby park is known for being especially familyfriendly, consider it as a campsite. Kids might meet fellow campers their own A family-friendly campground with plenty of activities for age and make some new kids to have fun and make new friends often makes the friends. ideal location for a family camping trip.
PAGE 4 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Hunter Education Who Needs to Take It? • Anyone aged 17 or under must have a Hunter Education certificate in their possession when hunting on other than their own land. • Anyone planning to hunt in a state that requires hunters to have completed hunter education needs to have a valid certificate. • Youths may purchase licenses and tags prior to taking the course. • Hunter education classes are held throughout the year, but very few classes are held after the end of August. • There is no minimum age to take the class and parents are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute, but to put their child into a class as soon as the child is capable of physically handling a firearm safely and understanding the concepts of responsible behavior and safety.
Where Can You Find a Class? Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us 1. Click on “Outdoor Education” 2. Click on “Hunter Education Class Listing” Telephone: Call the Hunter Education office in Salem, 503-947-6018. Home Study: If your schedule or location makes it difficult to attend a scheduled class, you may qualify to do part of the course as home study. Call your county coordinator (listed at www.dfw.state.or.us) or the Hunter Education office for more information on this option. HOW TO OBTAIN A DUPLICATE CARD: call, FAX, or mail request with full name, D.O.B., address and telephone number to the Hunter Education office in Salem.
Call: 503-947-6018, FAX: 503-947-6009 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 5
Getting More Enjoyment From Your RV (NAPS)—Whether you are a rookie or a veteran when it comes to the pleasures of traveling in a recreational vehicle—or RV—GEICO professionals say that a review of the basics can help to keep you on the road to safety. Here are some tips: Realize your size. Many road mishaps occur because of an RV’s additional size and weight. For instance, operators accidentally drive under an overpass without enough clearance because they forget about the additional height. Know your RV’s height and keep it handy. Also know the clearances of the bridges and tunnels along your route—especially on back roads. A road atlas specifically for RVers or semi drivers can help. Maintenance is important. An RV that’s mechanically sound will be less apt to break down. Be meticulous about maintenance. Make a pretrip checklist and do an inspection every time you get behind the wheel. A proper maintenance program should include: • Inspecting all belts and hoses for cracking and replacing where required; • Checking headlights, brake lights and turn signals; • Making sure your tires have the correct air pressure and sufficient tread depth. Have a plan if you do break down. Carry your cell phone and know the emergency numbers to call. Also, leave your itinerary with relatives or friends so they can contact you in case of emergency. Always wear safety belts. Passengers should be belted in also. Laws don’t require RVs to have safety belts in all areas where passengers can sit, but it is better to be safe, so buckle up! Avoid these common causes of RV accidents: • Fires that occur from leaking LP gas (propane); • Tire blowouts due to overloading or to under inflated or worn-out tires; • RV awnings and steps—Make sure RV outside steps are put away before traveling. Store them during travel and questionable weather; • Clearance and height driving mistakes—RVs hitting bridges and gas station overhangs; • Overloading—uneven weight can cause restricted braking and steering problems. Make sure your coverage is up to date and fits the RV lifestyle. Not all insurance companies understand the needs of RV drivers, so it is wise to pick one that specializes in RV coverage. For example, GEICO has a dedicated team of RV insurance agents who are experts in issuing and servicing insurance policies for all types of RVs. To learn more, visit the websites at An RV that’s mechanically sound will be less apt www.rvsafety.com and www.geico.com/informa- to break down. Do an inspection every time you get behind the wheel. tion/safety/rv/.
PAGE 6 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Responsible ATV Use In order to avoid regulations on All Terrain Vehicle use on public lands, ATV users are going to have to take it upon themselves to ride responsibly and reduce negative impacts resulting from this activity. As more people use public lands, responsibility on everyone’s part becomes imperative. ATV users can help by observing road closures due to wildlife habitat protection, conflicts between users, public safety, resource protection, legal mandates and fire protection. When you operate your ATV on public land you must display an Oregon ATV Operating Permit. Permits can be purchased vie telephone, at Oregon Parks & Recreation offices, or at one of their 200 vendors. Information and a vendor list can be obtained from the Oregon Parks & Recreation website, www.prd.state.or.us, or call 1800-551-6949. Negative impacts from ATV use can be reduced when users are familiar with regulations for the area they are hunting, and road closures are respected. ATVs should not be used in wet areas or during wet conditions. Even though they are lighter than standard vehicles, creating less pressure on the environment, they can still cause serious damage under wet conditions. All hunters using ATVs should also be aware of and follow specific regulations regarding hunting and carrying weapons on ATVs. Please see the 2008 Oregon Big Game Regulations handbook for more information. The number of ATVs in Oregon has increased significantly since 1995. There are over 129,000 valid permits in the state. ATVs provide hunters with the ability to access more remote terrain, increasing the number of elk harvested. This could lead to reduced hunter opportunity because the elk decline in areas accessible by motorized vehicles. Please use your ATV responsibly, ensuring the continued success of Oregon’s elk herds and hunting opportunities for future generations.
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 7
Mentored Youth Hunter Program The Mentored Youth Hunter Program offers youth ages 9 through 13 an opportunity to experience Oregon’s rich hunting tradition while hunting big game, upland game birds and waterfowl without having already passed an approved hunter education course. Unlicensed youth hunters are allowed to acquire mentored field experience and training on ethics, safety, responsibility and enjoyment of hunting while being supervised by a licensed adult hunter. Youth must register each year to participate in the program, and will receive one mentored youth preference point each year. Points can be used just like regular preference points for future controlled game hunts. If the youth does not have a hunter identification number, one will be assigned and the point updated in the licensing system. Youth participants and supervising hunters must follow program regulations regarding safety, seasons, bag limits, and general participation requirements. See the 2011 Oregon Big Game Regulations handbook, or call 503947-6002 for more information. The Mentored Youth Hunter Program is a great way to introduce Oregon’s young people to the sport of hunting.
PAGE 8 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Hunter Ethics As a hunter, you are responsible to adopt and follow a personal code of ethics that reflects your values and your respect for wildlife, hunting and pass on the sport of hunting to those who come after you. Remember the following points to help ensure the future of Oregon’s hunting heritage.
Respect Landowners • Ask for permission to hunt well before you plan on hunting. • Leave all gates the way you found them. • Follow all landowner restrictions. • Offer to share part of your harvest with the landowner.
Respect the Resource • Leave the land better than you found it. • Adhere to fair chase rules. • Know your capabilities and limitations as a marksman. • Harvest no more than you will use, and take care of what you take. • Abide by game laws and regulations. Report hunting violations to the Oregon State Police and 1-800452-7888.
Respect Others • Follow safe firearm handling practices and insist your hunting partners do the same. • Know what is beyond your target. Shot pellets can be fatal to both people and dogs. • Don’t interfere with another person’s hunt. • If mentoring a youth hunter, be sure to pass on safe, responsible and ethical knowledge and skills. • Wear blaze orange when hunting. Be Safe - Be Seen.
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 9
Boating Safety Courses Have Benefits Navigating a boat is much like driving a car. Safety lessons and courses can make the captain of the vessel a better sailor. Handling a boat properly and safely is something that comes with practice. Safety courses can make boating more enjoyable for all involved. Many organizations offer boating courses. Private companies, state agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard may have a safety course a boater can join. These courses will cover a variety of aspects on general boating and safety procedures. They often involve hours of classroom instruction. There may be a test at the end of the course and a certificate of completion issued. Some courses may be given right on a boat, offering first-hand experience. Browsing the course description can yield information as to which type of course is being offered. An advantage to taking a boating safety course is that some insurance companies, much like they do with drivers who complete defensive driving courses, will offer a discount to boaters who successfully complete a recognized course in boating safety. One of the main advantages to completing a boating safety course is that it can help a person save lives. Research indicates that in Florida alone 85 percent of boating fatalities involve boaters who have not taken a boating safety course. Some states now mandate individuals complete a safety course before they are allowed to operate a water vessel. Boating safety courses will cover a host of topics, including basis boat operation. Other topics include: • seamanship • navigation • general safety • personal flotation devices • first aid and emergency protocol • rules of the open water • water survival techniques • weather safety • responsible boating It’s important to find a reputable class for boating safety. One backed by the USCG can offer the up-todate information boaters may need. Visit the USCG Boating safety courses can make online at www.uscg.mil to find a listing of recommend- individuals better boaters and help ed courses. prevent accidents.
PAGE 10 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Getting Kids To Love And Respect The Great Outdoors (NAPS)—Connecting with na?ture offers many rewards for children. Spending time outside gives kids a chance to exercise in the open air, engage all their senses of perception and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Introducing kids to nature can be easy and fun for the whole family. Here are a few tips: Start in your own backyard: Children’s first introduction to nature can start at home. Even small children can dig a hole, hunt for bugs, plant sunflower seeds and watch them grow, or help fill a bird feeder and watch the flocks come to feed. Parents can plant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, then ask kids to notice when insect or bird visitors arrive. Take a nature walk: Start your preschoolers with a trip to a park or nature reserve and take note of the flowers, insects and animals you see. If you can’t identify them, take a picture and try to research them online when you get home. Some nature reserves offer guided walks, which are great for older kids. Next, try short hikes. Be sure your child has a pair of sturdy shoes. Wearing two pairs of socks—a thin nylon liner close to the foot and a thicker, heavier pair on the outside—may help prevent blisters. Hikes are a lot of fun but your child could become bored if there isn’t anything going on for a long time. You can engage them by playing games such as “I Spy” and challenge them to contests collecting leaves, stones or twigs to help them relate to the nature around them. Bring nature to the craft table: Collect items found on nature explorations to create crafts that will bring the outside in. For example, dried flowers and leaves can be used to make place mats or picture frames. Rocks can be decorated and transformed into paperweights. Take the kids camping: When introducing camping, try to keep the first trip short—about two nights—and keep travel time to the site as short as possible. Before you go, you may want to show kids a DVD about camping so they know what to expect. For example, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors” features five episodes from the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” TV show that showcase how to enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing and exploring nature.
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 11
The camping episode shows that when camping, the first thing to be done is to set up the campsite, put up the tent and organize the fire. Only then do Mickey and friends go fishing. The other ad–ventures introduce binoculars, using maps and finding landmarks. Each episode incorporates the value of using tools to help solve problems. Teach children to respect nature and leave a small footprint: It’s fun to catch fish, but check size requirements and throw back fish that are too small. Collect fireflies in a jar but release them at the end of the adventure. Help children remember to clean up after themselves outside and not litter. Subscribe to a nature magazine: Nature Before taking kids on their magazines can teach kids about different first camping trip, you may aspects of nature and help keep them interested during the colder months want to show them a DVD so when it’s not as easy to spend time out- they know what’s involved. side. Look up: Teach children about the planets and the constellations. Take a lawn chair outside some nights and look up at the stars or plan a picnic at dusk and watch the sun go down. The changing sky offers a fascinating show. Take a child to the seashore at low tide: Point out a few tide pools, give your kids a bucket and let them go. Then have fun discussing everything they bring back. Plan a visit to a children’s zoo or petting zoo: Children love the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat and may even have a chance to pet or feed them. It’s another wonderful way to spend time outdoors together. Visit natural history museums: These museums offer information about ecological systems and various animals. They often have special exhibits and play areas specifically for young children. Teaching your children to love the natural world around them can be one of the best gifts you can give them.
PAGE 12 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Recognize These Top Beach Dangers A trip to the seaside is supposed to be a fun-filled adventure and a chance to enjoy the surf and sand. But a beach trip can quickly turn sour if an injury occurs while soaking up the sun. Millions of people venture to beaches around the country when the weather warms up. During the summer season, seaside resorts and boardwalks are filled with individuals looking for the laid back and carefree atmosphere that only the beach can provide. No one likes to think about the dangers at the beach when heading there for a good time. But there are certain things that can pose risks at the seaside. Here are some of the top dangers. Sunburn: Reflection of the sun’s rays off of the sand and water can concentrate UV exposure and make sunburns occur even more quickly. Plus, with coastal breezes and the cooling effect of being in the water, many people do not realize they are being burned until it’s too late. Heading to the beach requires applying a high SPFproduct and reapplying it at least every hour, maybe more frequently for those who are spending a lot of time in the water. Pay special attention to the often forgotten areas of the body, such as the back of the knees or the tops of the feet. Use an umbrella to create a shady spot when sitting in the sand. Drowning: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 10 people die every day from drowning. It’s easy to get pulled away in a strong current or venture out too far, tire and fail to make it back to the shore without assistance. Even strong swimmers can be swept out with a rip current or be forced under strong waves. Even when the person returns to the beach the danger is not over. Individuals who have taken on water should visit the hospital to make sure there isn’t residual seawater in the lungs, which can still cause a person to drown even after they’ve left the water.
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 13
Jellyfish stings: Many jellyfish stings are not life-threatening, but they can certainly pack a wallop of pain. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of jellyfish stings per year because people often do not report them. During certain months of the year there are a higher number of jellyfish in the water, increasing the chance asting may occur. If one does, remove the stinging cells with a stick or something else and rinse the area with salt water. Fresh water can irritate the stinging even more. Those with a severe allergic reaction should visit a hospital. Shells and hazards: Cuts, abrasions and even broken bones are possible on the beach. That’s because people are often paying attention to the scenery and don’t realize what’s right under their feet. Crab claws or broken shells can cause deep cuts on the feet. Rocks or other debris propelled by the surf can knock into a person at the water’s edge. Some people simply twist or break an ankle from a hole in the sand. Fish hooks: Oceans and lakes provide ample hunting ground for marine life to serve as food. Fish hooks and line can end up with the trash and other debris that ends up fouling waterways. It’s not uncommon for a swimmer or beachgoer to be cut or even impaled by a fish hook. Parasites: The moist, warm sand is a fertile breeding ground for many different types of bacteria and parasites. Hookworms, for example, are parasites that are found in animal feces that can lay eggs and prosper in the sand. The larvae bury through the skin, usually on the foot, and then migrate to the intestines where they cause damage. Sand fleas, mites and other microscopic dangers also may be present. Beachside visits are often enjoyable. Knowing about potential dangers can make the swimmer or sunbather more aware to prevent injuries.
PAGE 14 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
On the Road Again Once the weather warms up, the lure of a road trip is often too strong for many adventurous motorists to resist. Those who want to get away from it all and enjoy the minutiae of the trip often take to the road in short jaunts or extensive sightseeing vacations. For road-trippers, it’s often about the drive itself more so than the destination. There’s something appealing about hitting the open road and seeing the sights you would otherwise if traveling by air. Thanks to displeasure with customer service and rising prices for commercial flights, a growing number of travelers are taking to the road, as is evidenced by the number of cars on the highways. Often affordable when done correctly, the road trip is ideal for cash-strapped families or singletons looking to vacation on a budget. • Make a plan. Although part of the mystique of the road trip is traveling at will, travelers who want to maintain some control over their travels should set a course of travel that inlcudes both lodging and restaurant locations. It pays to know where gas stations are, including ones that stay open for 24 hours. Running out of fuel can quickly spoil a road trip. • Clean the car before departing. Chances are, road-trippers will acquire maps, fast food wrappers, discarded cups, and other paraphernalia while on the road. Starting out with a vehicle already overrun with junk can make traveling a drag. Clean the car before departing for the road, and continue to do so periodically during the trip. • Mix highways with local roads. What’s the fun of taking a road trip if all that’s seen is a sea of cars going 65 mph? Be sure to travel on slow-going local routes in addition to highway driving to mix up the trip and ensure the best opportunities for taking in scenery. • Delegate tasks well. Find out who in the car reads maps well, is good at choosing tourist spots, makes meal decisions, and all the other necessities of the trip. Play toward people’s strengths, which will make for a more enjoyable trip. • Get documents in order. Don’t forget to bring along an updated insurance card, license, registration, and any other necessities. Getting pulled over in an unfamiliar locale is never fun, but it can be less stressful if you know all of your documents are on hand and up to date. Inspect documents well in advance of the trip to A road trip is an ideal way to see the sights of the country allow for replacements to be sent if need be.
without the stress of air travel.
AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • PAGE 15
Getting Kids Involved Hunting big game can be difficult to learn by yourself. Many young people don’t have parents or friends who hunt and as a consequence may never learn to hunt. In an age when more and more people live in urban areas and more kids come from busy, single-parent homes, even fewer young people have the opportunity to hunt. ODFW began a program several years ago designed to provide young people the opportunity to hunt big game. Youth hunts have opened the door for thousands of youth, age 12 to 17. The program has had many side benefits. First, these youth hunts are generally associated with population control and allow youngsters to harvest antlerless or either-sex animals. These hunts are often in less demanding terrain, on agricultural or low lying timber land and provide a good opportunity to harvest an animal. The youth, who must be led by a nonhunting adult, has the opportunity to concentrate on choosing their target responsibly. Pressure to harvest a large buck or bull is left behind, allowing the youth the best chance for a positive hunting experience and the least chance of disappointment. Second, the program is a positive experience for landowners and young hunters, brought together to solve a problem. Several youth hunts are on lands previously closed to the public. Landowners were tired of garbage, broken fences, open gates and careless acts of irresponsible people. The program opens up new private land to public hunting and facilitates big game management in those areas. Youth hunts also help young hunters learn landowner courtesy skills. Biologists who helped develop the program were looking at all these benefits, plus one more. By bringing young people into hunting, the future of hunting will have a more solid foundation. Good, ethical hunters of all ages will sustain the future of hunting. Hunters, past and present, are the backbone of our wildlife management programs. Landowners who are interested in participating or finding out more about the program should contact their local ODFW office. ODFW continues to expand and encourage youth hunting opportunities. See the Oregon Big Game Regulations handbook for more information.
PAGE 16 • THE OUTDOORSMAN • AUGUST 18 & SEPTEMBER 22, 2011