How to have fun when you have to go snowless

Out & About, by Howard Delo

Since we've already done the clock-resetting thing, I think it's fair to say we've officially started the "short-on-daylight" season. Because the weather has been mild and the snow lacking, I can't get too fired up about snowmachines, snowshoeing, skiing or other winter sports requiring the white stuff just yet. I started asking around about other types of winter activities to keep me occupied and here's what I've found to date.

Fletcher's Archery in Wasilla has already passed the halfway point in their fall bowhunter, target, and kids archery leagues. Everyone is still welcome to come out for an evening's worth of shooting enjoyment: Bowhunting gear on Wednesday's, target equipment on Friday's, and the kids on Saturday morning. Jerry and Barb Fletcher are planning the spring leagues after the holidays; so if you're interested or just want to find out more, stop in or call Fletcher's at 373-7770.

Wasilla's 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle is offering both beginning fly tying and beginning rod building classes this fall and winter. The classes for November have already started, but the classes are repeated in December, January and February. Class sizes have both a minimum and maximum number of students, run in the evenings, and last for two weeks. To find out more information or to sign up, stop in or call 373-5434.

Knowing some practical first aid or how to perform CPR can literally be a lifesaver on an outdoor excursion. The Alaska Mountaineering School and the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS are offering a Wilderness First Aid and Heartsaver CPR course in Talkeetna from Nov. 22 to 24. The course is structured to introduce first aid and injured care techniques to outdoor users in a remote setting. After successfully completing the course, participants will be issued a two-year Wilderness First Aid certificate. The course cost is $190. Call the Alaska Mountaineering School at 733-1016 or check their Web site at www.climbalaska.org.

This season is also an excellent time to take a boating safety course, not only to improve your boating skills and knowledge, but also to reduce your insurance premiums. On the Internet, go to www.alaskaboatingsafety.org/. This site has links to the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety page and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The local Mat-Su Flotilla usually provides the boating safety training courses and can be reached by e-mail for schedules and information by following the links.

You've probably started thinking about next hunting season, applying for permits, and planning that trip of a lifetime. Part of that planning process should include taking a hunter education class or attending a hunter clinic, sponsored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. For a schedule of basic hunter education and bowhunter education classes available in the Valley, stop in the Palmer ADF&G office or call at 746-6300. They can tell you class schedules, what materials and requirements must be completed prior to class, and sign you up for the appropriate course. To find out the schedule of hunter clinics for this winter and spring, call Kirk Lingofelt, in Anchorage, at 267-2534. A Black Bear Baiting Clinic is scheduled for February and having the baiting clinic certificate is mandatory if you're planning to register bait sites for black bears this coming spring.

I haven't forgotten the "white-stuff" crowd either. Bill O'Hara, of Bill's Cat House in Big Lake, is sponsoring the eighth annual Big Lake Winter Safety Clinic on Dec. 13, starting at 7 p.m. at the Big Lake Elementary School. This clinic historically has presented a well-known dog musher, like Martin Buser, discussing proper trail etiquette; an emergency room doctor discussing types of common injuries and how to avoid them; and an Alaska State Trooper discussing legal aspects of snowmachine operation. A state parks ranger usually attends and discusses requirements for operating a snowmachine on state lands and in state parks. Call 892-7875 for more information.

Howard Delo is a retired fisheries biologist living in Big Lake. Send your comments and ideas to editor@frontiersman.com, or call (907) 352-2268 and leave a message for Howard.