Events scheduled to help bring kids outdoors

Junior waterfowl hunters and their families were treated to a truly great event last weekend at the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, packed full with a variety of outdoor activities, many of which were new to the youngsters, thanks to the Arizona Game and Fish Department with Gary and Debbie Hovatter and family along with Brad Jacobson as well as the Cibola Refuge Manager in the lead. They were assisted by Southwest Arizona Habitat Partnership Committee (SAHPC) Ducks Unlimited, Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club (YWRRC), Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club (YVRGC), Renegade Archers of Yuma and other adults interested in getting our kids started in hunting and the outdoors.

In addition to early morning goose hunts, youngsters and families had the opportunity to learn how and try their skills at shooting archery, trap, BB guns, casting with rod and reel, play horseshoes, go on nature hikes along with learning the art of waterfowl calling and bird watching as well as the art of Dutch Oven cooking - if you'd like some mighty fine dutch oven recipes, contact Brad Jacobson at the Yuma office of Game and Fish.

Our kids have the opportunity on Jan. 5-6, 2008, to get in on a First Annual Texas Hill Farms Junior Small Game Camp - get signed up as soon as possible with the Yuma Game and Fish office (call 342-0091) - to learn about dove, quail and rabbit hunting. Other events will include 3D archery, BB guns, horseshoes, campfire talks, bat netting, deer spotlighting to name a few. The Braden Trust provides the area for this event. Sponsors besides the Yuma office of Game and Fish include the Quail Corp., YWRRC, Renegade Archers of Yuma, SAHPC and YVRGC. This event received starting funding through a Department Sportsmen's Group Grand to the YWRRC.

If you haven't signed up your youngster yet for the Jan. 19, 2008, First Annual Fish Fortuna Kids Fishing clinic, a free half-day event at Fortuna Pond, best do it quickly at the Yuma office of Game and Fish. The first 100 kids taking part in the various fishing clinics that day will receive a free rod and reel. In addition to the Game and Fish Department and YWRRC, sponsors include the SAHPC and BLM with starting funding through a Department Sportsmen's Group Grant to the YWRRC.

HUNT HAPPENINGS

*Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Great news for wildlife is the newly established landmark conservation easement on 2,440 acres near Prescott. This easement protects the William and Betty Lo Wells property surrounding Little Thumb Butte, tucked between state lands and the Prescott National Forest.

The land provides year-round range for resident elk and winter range for migrating elk. By preventing development, the easement permanently secures habitat important to the region's elk herd and other wildlife. This milestone for the Elk Foundation, this easement is the first donated to the organization in Arizona, preventing any development of the land beyond an occasional wildmill, fence or pond - not only good for the wildlife on the land itself, but the protected habitat will act as a buffer for surrounding public lands in preventing negative development that would impact the integrity of the whole area. For more information, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.

FISH FINDINGS

*Yuma Pro/Am Series: The "Toys for Tots" tournament just held was a real success, well worth efforts by club members Manuel Garcia and Bob La Londe and all the anglers taking part. Fishing results put Garcia and his back seater, Mike Meza not, only in first place overall but first place Big Fish as well. Second place went to Scott Steffins and Randy Bowen.

Garcia said "Recreation Baits" did the trick for him but gave no further hints. To many anglers that means crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits. La Londe, who finished third, said he caught all his best fish flipping in the main river current, not often considered a prime winter pattern.

La Londe reports the Top Five list and Anglers of the Year will be announced at the barbecue being held the end of January. visit La Londe at webmaster@yumaproam.com or call 580-1270.

*Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club: Members are reminded to get dues paid for 2008 in time to begin fishing contests starting Jan. 1st. Ladies and their young gals interested in hunting, fishing or the shooting sports are most welcome - call me anytime at 726-0953 or check with the club at the January Murphy's Gun Show. Report new fish caught to derby chairman, Judy Proksch at 305-1240 or 246-6115.

*Yuma Desert Bass Anglers: Keep in practice for the Jan. 5 team tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing. Be sure to pay your 2008 ($15) dues - $10 each additional family member - to Mac or Bobbi McDermott - call 726-1984.

*Yuma Bassmasters: Meet with the club at 6 p.m. January 8 at River Marine to learn more on the pro/am format for the new year. New Members are most welcome with dues $25. Call Curtis Cernic at 503-0511.

*Goin' Fishin' Productions: Fish the river with Dave Willhide - call 782-2621 - for a "bass class on the water" where you'll learn tips, techniques, tactics, locations and bait selection. Willhide provides a fully rigged bass boat and all gear with instructional seminars also available for groups, large or small.

SHOOTING SPORTS

*Renegade Archers of Yuma: Keep in practice with open 3D trail shoots at 8 a.m. each Sunday at the Foothills Archery Range. New members are welcome with annual dues $20. Adult Shooting fee is $5 ($3 members) with proceeds used to maintain 3D animals and the range. Latest results: UNL — Sr: 1. Lowell Lehman, 2. Gordie Lehman; TRAD — Men: 1. Dick Gilleland; New Shooter — 1. Dick Gale; Women — 1 Jean Wilson; New Shooter — Judy Lehman. Call me anytime at 726-0953 for directions and information.

*Southwest Bowhunters: Shoot with the club at Adair Park at 9 a.m. each Sunday. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.

*Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Adair Park. Call Jaime Almazan at 246-8299.

*Yuma Matchmasters: Shoot the Cowboy Match today with sign up at 7:30 a.m., the match at 8 a.m. at the Adair Park small bore range. Call John Williams at 317-5139.

Merry Christmas to one and all!