EBS STAFF
BOZEMAN – Becoming an Outdoors Woman, a program by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks intended to encourage women to experience the outdoors, will host an ice fishing course in Bozeman on Feb. 7-8.
This class
is for the beginner or intermediate ice angler who wants to learn or
improve her fishing skills. At the Friday evening class, up to 20
participants will learn about ice fishing gear, dressing to stay
warm and how to be safe on the ice. On Saturday, Feb. 8, the group will
fish on the ice and try out ice augers
and fishing shelters—hopefully hooking a few fish along the way.
According to
Sara Smith, the program coordinator for BOW, beginning in the classroom is a
way to promote confidence and ensure participants are comfortable once they get
out on the ice.
Aligned with
the mission of the BOW program, the course will serve as a chance to try out
ice fishing, and with all gear provided—additionally, participants will not
need to purchase a fishing license to fish during the course.
BOW hosts
ice fishing courses across the state in the wintertime and also hosts
programming on shoeshoeing. During the warmer months, courses range in topics
from archery and canoeing to outdoor cooking and camping, to name a few.
“In Montana
winter can get really long,” Smith said, adding that BOW is trying to encourage
just one more way to get outside in the winter. Beyond getting outside, Smith
said there’s also a great reward in ice fishing. “You can catch fish and then
take it home to make dinner with,” she said.
The class
will meet Friday, Feb. 7 at the Bozeman Fish, Wildlife and Parks office from
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and fishing will commence Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m.
to noon at a location determined by ice conditions at the time of the course. Registration
is required in advance and fills quickly.
Visit fwp.mt.gov/education/bow for more information.
