Outdoor writers plan day for kids
Fishing and hunting are kid stuff and Outdoor Writers Association of America members are going to prove it next weekend when they come to Spokane for their annual conference.
Making noise, launching projectiles, making a mess — activities that kids master at an early age — are the foundation for learning to use elk and turkey calls, casting a fishing lure and tying a fly pattern, OWAA officers say.
Inland Northwest kids ages 8 to 16, accompanied by an adult, are invited to join a fun-filled program of youth activities sponsored by a committee representing more than 500 members and sponsors registered for the conference. Local sportsmen are helping teach the various skills.
On Saturday at Riverfront Park, participants will get to choose from two of six workshops offered between 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. followed by contests that give kids a chance to win prizes using their new skills.
Expect some serious grunting at the elk-calling workshop, and there will be plenty to cluck about at the turkey-calling workshop featuring National Wild Turkey Federation CEO Rob Keck who will be joined by local NWTF members Dan and Carrie McKinley.
Members of the Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club will conduct the fly-casting lessons while the Silver Bow Fly Shop will coordinate the fly-tying session.
One of the workshops will focus on outdoor programs for the disabled, said Jim Grassi of the Post Falls-based Let’s Go Fishing ministries.
“We encourage any kid with a disability to come to this particular workshop where people from St. Luke’s and Shriners hospitals will show how even a quadriplegic can reel in a fish,” Grassi said.
“There will be gear for fishing, hunting, skiing and all sorts of stuff designed to get people with disabilities out from the house and TV and let them enjoy this beautiful creation God has given us.”
Grassi will lead the basic how-to fishing workshop for any kid.
“We’re charging $5 per kid, but this isn’t a babysitting service,” Grassi said. “We’re hoping that parents, including single moms, will come and learn, too. There’s no charge for the adults to be with their kids.
“What we’re trying to do is share with the public and help them learn about outdoor activities,” said Grassi, who said he plans to continue offering the sort of outdoor fun day on an annual basis after the outdoor communicators return to their bases as newspaper, magazine, radio and television contributors across the nation. self end