NCWRC offering free outdoor-related workshops throughout October

Classroom, and nature-based instruction included

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is offering free outdoor-related workshops for people of all ages and skill levels throughout the month of October. Online registration is required for the workshops, which are open on a first-come-first-served basis.

Oct. 6 – On the Water: Little River from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. Practice your fly fishing skills on the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest under the supervision of our fly fishing instructors. Learn about Delayed Harvest regulations, wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology during a fun, relaxing morning of fishing. Equipment and materials are provided.

Oct. 7 – Introduction to Hunting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages eight and up. Hunting has a long tradition as a challenging yet rewarding outdoor pursuit. For those new to the sport, getting started can be just as challenging. The course is designed to introduce a variety of topics that will benefit new hunters, including hunting skills and methods, game species and signs, hunting safety, game processing, regulations and where to hunt.

Oct. 10 – On the Water: East Fork French Broad from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. Practice your fly–fishing skills on the East Fork French Broad River under the supervision of our fly fishing instructors. Learn about Delayed Harvest regulations, wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology during a fun, relaxing morning of fishing. Equipment and materials are provided.

Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 – Hunter Education Course from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Everyone must successfully complete a hunter education course before hunting in N.C. This all-ages course, which covers hunter responsibility and firearms, is accepted in every state in the U.S. This course is offered over a two-day period and attendees must be present both days.

Oct. 13 – Fishing the Dry Fly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. Angling for trout with a dry fly is challenging but rewarding. Learn techniques and tactics to enhance your fly fishing experience. This course will include sections on equipment, presentation skills for dry flies, selecting the best dry fly for the situation and adapting to selective trout.

Oct. 14 and Oct. 23 – Nature Nuts: Turkey Vultures from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Open to kids ages four to seven. The turkey vulture may not be one of the best-looking critters in the animal kingdom, but it sure is one of the most important ones.

Oct. 14 and Oct. 23 – Eco Explorers: Raising Trout from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Open to kids ages eight to 13. Spend the afternoon learning about our beloved mountain trout. Children will observe various life cycle stages of trout, play a game based on trout habitat needs and feed the fish.

Oct. 20 – Casting for Beginners: Level I from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. This is the perfect introductory class for beginners. Topics include casting theory, mechanics and practice techniques. Our experienced instructors allow you to learn at your own pace as they teach the overhead cast, roll cast and the art of false casting. Advanced instruction is available upon request. All equipment and materials are provided.

Oct. 21 – Advanced Fly Tying: Dry Flies from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. Nymph fishing is an effective tactic when there are no fish rising. It’s one of the most common fly fishing techniques used today. This course will teach you how to tie a variety of mayfly, caddis and stonefly patterns for subsurface fishing techniques.

Oct. 21 – Wildlife Photo Hunt Competition from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Open to all ages. Bring a camera, running shoes and your competitive spirit. Your team will stalk, find and photograph wildlife and their signs to earn points and win prizes. Only one camera per team is needed, and teams can consist of one to five members.

Oct. 28 – Women’s Introduction to Fly Fishing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to women ages 12 and up. Join our experienced instructors for a day of fun as you learn the basics of fly-fishing. Topics include appropriate equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders. This workshop is limited to six participants.

In addition to the open-enrollment programs listed above, the Commission offers group programs. Groups of 10 or more can schedule the date, time and topic of the program by calling 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 open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday from December through March, and Monday through Saturday from April through November.

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