The Emporia Gazette

May 28, 2012

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Goodness gracious did I get a surprise when Wifeus returned from sunny, warm Arizona, where she was able to temporarily satisfy her passion for golf.

I knew the girl would be in heaven with all the golfing she had access to, not to mention all the different wildlife she would experience on the various golf courses, such as roadrunners, mockingbirds, coyotes and cute Gambel’s quail with their adorable little top-notches.

What I didn’t know was that she would be in the company of several pistol-packing grandmas and great-grandmas who live in the area and feel the need to carry a firearm for self-protection during the commission of their daily lives.

Wifeus now has an interest in taking a concealed carry class. Welcome to the real world, Dorothy — you’re not in Kansas anymore!

Alas, poor Wifeus isn’t the only person feeling the need to know something about firearms. Last Saturday, it was my pleasure to assist a group of new hunter education instructors and present a class at Mission Valley High School, just east of Eskridge.

There, I met a woman from Garden City who was taking the class and had a couple of questions concerning firearms. She later e-mailed the following message: “I learned a lot this weekend during the hunter education class and would like to extend my knowledge of the outdoors and also get better acquainted with guns. I am single, living in a relatively new location, and have thought seriously about purchasing a handgun. I am not sure I am ready for that, but I certainly would like to enhance my skills with the rifle I inherited from my father. He used to go deer hunting. I was once a Girl Scout and always thought hunting was gross, but now, I view the sport differently.

“I would appreciate any information you can send me on the topic of firearms and where I can go to learn more. My father’s rifle hasn’t been fired in over 35 years. Do you know of a gunsmith in this area that would be trustworthy and would look at the gun to see if it is worth cleaning and using? I would love to use it but want to prove it safe prior to trying it out.”

One of the things we teach in hunter education is that old firearms can be dangerous and should always be checked by a competent gunsmith before they are used. We do our best to answer such questions during class time and let students know there are other education programs offered to them through Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks besides basic hunter education classes.

Welcome to Women on Target.

One such program is being held southeast of Chanute at Lil’ Toledo Lodge on May 30. There, the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association, the Kansas State Rifle Association, the Women of National Rifle Association, and the Kansas Bow Hunter Association will join forces to conduct the fourth annual Women on Target “Shooting Skills for Women” clinic.

What a beautiful and fitting place to have such an event. Lil’ Toledo Lodge sets along the banks of the Neosho River and showcases the Great Outdoors with native oak and hickory trees. Mowed walking trails through the forest allow visitors the opportunity to appreciate wildlife at its very best in a natural Kansas setting.

The Women on Target Shooting Skills Clinic is designed to educate women who may have never handled a firearm as to the importance of firearm safety. Women with limited experience are also encouraged to attend. Each participant will learn the mechanics of a variety of firearms, including shotguns, revolvers, semiautomatic handguns, small-caliber rifles, big bore rifles and black powder rifles; they’ll learn how to load and how to shoot them.

Instruction on archery and bowhunting will also be given, and the women will be given the opportunity to shoot longbows, recurve and compound bows.

These disciplines are conducted in such a way that each woman can participate at her own pace and at her own experience level. Lunch and refreshments will be provided by Lil’ Toledo Lodge, and women will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the other women about the experiences they had in the morning events and what they have to look forward to later in the afternoon. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the instructors and trainers. A special drawing for items donated by local businesses will also be part of the festivities.

The registration fee is $30 per person, which helps cover the cost of shooting supplies and targets. You must be at least 18 years old to participate, and all guns, equipment and supplies will be provided. Shooters may bring their own 20-gauge shotguns if they wish, with the understanding that all guns must be checked by the person in charge before they are used.

To participate in the Shooting Skills for Women event, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Operations Office in Pratt at (620) 672-5911. Ask for Stacy in hunter education to pre-register.

Weather matters

March Madness — and it’s the weather I am talking about and not the NCAA basketball tournament — has things all in a tizzy. Purple martins have arrived, but no doubt wonder why they didn’t stay in warmer, friendlier climates. And just Thursday, a brown thrasher returned to our yard.

Asparagus is up in the garden, and more of spring’s magic is just waiting to bust through in all its splendor.

And attention all fishermen: a few walleye are being picked up along the face of dams as the waters reach 45 degrees. A lot of anglers use jigs, but a stick bait such as a Rapala is very productive and will reduce snags if fished right.