Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education offers 16 workshops in October

Press release from N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission:

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is offering 16 workshops in October.

The workshops are free, with the exception of the Beyond BOW: Fly-Fishing weekend for women on Oct. 21-23. All are open on first-come, first-serve basis and registration is required by registering online.

Oct. 1 – Introduction to Fly Fishing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and older. Learn the basics of fly-fishing, such as equipment, knots, casting and aquatic entomology. All equipment and materials will be provided. Participants should bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders.

Oct. 1 – Introduction to Tenkara from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to participants 14 and older. Join guest presenter Jason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara as he introduces the newly popular form of traditional Japanese fly fishing, Tenkara. Topics covered will include a history of angling style, equipment orientation, a unique perspective on Japanese flies (Kebari), and Tenkara methods to use in local waters. A hands-on learning session will follow the classroom instruction. Participants should bring a lunch. Limited to 15 participants.

Oct. 6 – On the Water: Little River from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older. Participants can practice their fly-fishing skills on Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest under the supervision of experienced fly-fishing instructors. Participants will learn about delayed-harvest trout regulations, wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology. Equipment and materials will be provided. Participants will meet at the Hooker Falls Parking Area.

Oct. 7 – Advanced Fly Tying: Dry Flies from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to participants 12 and older. Nymph fishing is an effective tactic when there are no fish rising and is one of the most common fly-fishing techniques used today. Participants will learn how to tie a variety of mayfly, caddis and stonefly patters for subsurface fishing techniques.

Oct. 8 and Oct. 17 – Nature Nuts: Nocturnal Animals from 9 to 11 a.m.  Open to ages 4-7. Come spend the morning with Pisgah Center staff and learn about the habits of nocturnal wildlife — animals that are active at night. Activities include a story, craft and time spent outside.

Oct. 8 and Oct. 17 – Eco Explorers: Mountain Habitats from 1 to 3 p.m. Open to participants 8 and older. Learn about the state’s rugged and beautiful mountains — from streams to cove forest habitats through hands-on exploration.

Oct. 8 – Introduction to Hunting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older.  This course is designed for participants who are new to hunting and want to learn more about this challenging yet reward outdoor pursuit. Topics include hunting skills and methods, game species and signs, hunting safety, game processing, regulations and places to hunt. Participants should bring a bagged lunch.

Oct. 11 – On the Water: East Fork French Broad from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older. Participants will practice their fly-fishing skills under the supervision of experienced fly-fishing instructors. Participants will learn about delayed-harvest trout regulations, wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology. Equipment and materials will be provided. Participants will meet at the Exxon/Kountry Mart store in Rosman.

Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 – Hunter Education Course from 6 to 9 p.m. No minimum age. This two-day course will covered hunter responsibility and firearms and is accepted in every state in the United States. Attendees must be present both days.

Oct. 14 – Fishing the Dry Fly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older. Participants will learn techniques and tactics of angling with a dry fly — a challenging yet rewarding way to enhance a fly-fishing experience. This course will include sections on equipment, presentation skills for dry flies, dry fly selection for specific situations and adaption to selective trout. Participants should bring a bagged lunch.

Oct. 15 – Outdoor Smart Phone Photography from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older. Using their mobile devices, participants will learn the basics of photography and composition while focusing on wildlife and their habitats. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring their smart phone, tablet or other mobile device for a morning of clicking and learning.

Oct. 21-23 – Beyond BOW: Introduction to Fly Fishing. Open to women 18 and older. This class is an extension of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program. Learn the basics of fly fishing, including knots, fly tying, casting and aquatic entomology. Participants will spend time on the water fishing. The cost is $225 per person and all equipment, materials and meals are provided.  To register contact BB Gillen at 919-218-3638.

Oct. 29 – Women’s Introduction to Fly Fishing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to female participants 12 and up. Learn the basics of fly fishing, such as equipment, knots, casting and aquatic entomology. All materials will be provided. Participants should bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders. Limited to 6 participants.

Sign up online (www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah) for any program listed above. In addition to the public programs listed above, the Commission offers group programs for 10 or more people who call to schedule a program. Groups can schedule the date, time and topic of the program. For more information on group programs or the public programs listed above, call 828-877-4423.

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located near Brevard, just south of Asheville, by the Davidson River in Transylvania County. The center features nature trails and five large aquariums representing aquatic mountain habitats. The center is adjacent to the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery, where trout are raised in 54 raceways. The center is open Monday through Saturday from April through November and Monday through Friday from December through March. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For more information on the Wildlife Commission’s four wildlife education centers and other activities and events, visit www.ncwildlife.org/learning.