Sign Up For A Dem Outdoors Course - The Fisherman

Sign Up For A Dem Outdoors Course

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has another season of great winter programs scheduled to connect Rhode Islanders with our state’s beautiful natural resources. From fishing days and fly tying to hunter education classes, guided walks, and virtual programs, there’s something for everyone.

DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education, Hunter Education, Wildlife Outreach, and Volunteer programs have planned a packed schedule with plenty of opportunities to learn about Rhode Island’s fish and wildlife resources or to try out a new outdoor skill. Most of the programs being offered this winter are free of charge and family-friendly.

Here’s a selection of these courses that might appeal to anglers:

March 12: Aquatic Resource Education Programs

Introduction to Freshwater Fishing, Fly Tying, and Casting Lesson (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)

From lures, to flies, tackle, storage, safety, types of rods, and more, learn all the basics to become a successful angler. This comprehensive presentation will be instructed by one of RIDEM’s angler instructors and includes casting lessons and fly tying. There are two sessions to choose from: 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. (3-hour sessions) at DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter. Register through the DEM website.

February 18-19: Land Navigation

(Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)

This two-day course will begin with classroom learning on the topics of maps and compass, how to find a bearing and follow it. Day two will consist of using your newfound skills to solve field problems and navigate through the woods of Arcadia Management Area. Terrain will be moderate to difficult at times, appropriate hiking gear for the forecasted weather will be necessary to be successful. The two-day course runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and will begin at the DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter. Register through the DEM website.

Throughout March: Annual Herring Count Surveys (All ages)

DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is always looking for new volunteers for our long-standing herring count survey. Volunteers count herring for 10-minute intervals at select sites across the state as these interesting fish complete their annual spring migration upstream. This is an excellent opportunity for families with children! Sign-up information will be available in March. Subscribe to DEM’s monthly email list for sign up information.

For more information about DEM divisions and other programs that include hunters safety courses, birding, trapping and more, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow them on Facebook and Fish and Wildlife, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem and @RI.FishandWildlife) for timely updates.

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