Learn archery deer hunting or sporting clays skills at

upcoming events

By Bruce Sitko, information and education program manager, Pinetop region,

and Tom Cadden, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

Are you interested in learning the exciting sport of archery deer hunting but don’t know where to start? Or, are you a woman with an interest in learning the fun shotgun sports of trap, skeet and sporting clays? If the answer to either question is yes, mark your calendars for the two hands-on activities below.

Region I archery deer camp
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is partnering with the Arizona Bowhunters Association and Arizona Deer Association to host and conduct an archery deer camp in the Big Lake area of Game Management Unit 1. The camp will be staffed from Friday afternoon, Aug. 24, through Saturday evening, Aug. 25.

Although the camp is geared toward youth and first-time archery deer hunters, all archery hunters are welcome to stop by the camp for refreshments, ask questions, and practice shooting with instructor assistance at the 3-D archery range, which will be set for the camp. A special camp feature will be predator-calling instruction and demonstration on Friday evening.

Dispersed camping for hunters is available in the immediate area, and camping with services is also available at nearby Forest Service campgrounds. Directions to the archery camp will be posted on information kiosks in the Big Lake area, or hunters can call the Game and Fish Pinetop office at (928) 367-4281 for directions.

Women’s shotgun program at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is planning to offer a shotgun shooting program for women every other Thursday evening at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center, beginning in early to mid-September.

Similar in concept to the successful Annie Oakley program, it will offer women the chance to learn about and shoot trap, skeet and sporting clays in a fun, non-intimidating, supportive environment. Beginning shooters will receive free instruction and have the use of loaner shotguns. Details of the program are still being finalized, but it is anticipated the first one or two sessions will be free to new shooters, then the standard nominal range charge will apply.

More information, including start times and dates, will be posted in the coming weeks on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov. Pre-registration is requested. For more information or to pre-register, contact the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at (623) 582-8313.