2001 FAMILY DAY REPORT

We'd like to start by thanking all of our presenters and Chad from Wings North for making our event a success. Wings North has been a wonderful venue for the past three years and we are looking forward continued success with their help. Everyone who attended enjoyed the information and tips given by the presenters.

RGS Biologist Rick Horton gave the group information on habitat issues and how they will effect Minnesota's forests long into the future. He also had to sadly report that drumming counts in all the regions have been down significantly. He said the decrease might have been caused by an ice storm during the winter and a very wet spring along with increased predator activity. If you would like to contact Rick or get on his mailing list e-mail him at rgshort@uslink.net. Joe Canella of the Minnesota Shooting Sports Education Center gave a run down on what is happening at the Center. He informed us on the progress on a bill in the legislature that would help him to reorganize and generate shooting opportunities for young people in Minnesota. He let us know that there is a lot of opportunity now, but programs that have gone by the wayside must be revitalized. Joe also said that there are 4-H, NCAA (scholarships available), and Olympic programs all with a need for young shooters wanting to learn how to shoot and to compete on all levels. You can contact Joe at mssec@uslink.net.

Dave Defenbaugh from Pine Tech was on hand to give tips on gun care and cleaning. He told the crowd how far we should go in cleaning a weapon before we get into serious trouble. Dave also covered what types of cleaners and lubricants we should use, and also explained some of the tools use in gun cleaning. Dave can be reached at defenbad@ptc.tec.mn.

Mark and Sophie Haglin of Pine Shadow Kennel gave their usual informative and entertaining presentation. They covered the early training for your pup is it flushing or pointing and as always kids and puppies had a ball. Then it was time to take out the big dogs and show what a well-trained finished gundog can do. The Haglins are good trainers and good people, if you want a springer they are the ones to call. You can contact the Haglins @ www.pineshadows.com.

By this time it was time for lunch and the Italian sausage patties with cheese & sauce on a bun that really hit the spot. We have to thank our chefs Donna and Jay, they cook for us quite a bit and for good reason (they are good). After lunch Gordon Bentley of Bentley's Outfitters showed everyone how easy and affordable it is to get into fly-fishing. Gordy explained the techniques used to cast a fly line and stated that itís not as hard as you may think. He also explained that it is a misnomer that you need to be some type of scientist to fly fish for trout and be successful. You can contact Gordy or his staff at www.bentleysoutfitters.com.

Then it was time for the pointing dog demo and Steve Grossman from Little Moran Kennels was there to show us the ropes. He showed different techniques for pointing dog training and explained why you want you pointing dog to whoa and how to get your dog to do it. Steve raises and trains English Setters and has started dogs for sale. You can contact him @ www.littlemoran.com.

DNR Conservation Officer Julie Olson came and discussed her job and what it involves. With help from Colleen Adam, an Officer Candidate assigned to her, she answered audience questions and the session was a great forum, for all involved. The last demonstration was the tastiest. Jay & Donna had a crowd participation-cooking demo. The kids & parents got to assemble wild game shishkabobs as Jay explained the preparation, and Donna made wild rice soup.

The kabobs were good. A new thing at this event was the Super Earlybird Special. Anyone who bought their 2001 Banquet Tickets at the event got enter not only in the Earlybird raffle package, but also qualified to win 12 Woodcock Gun Board Tickets and 12 Grouse Gun Board Tickets drawn at this event only. The Super Earlybird will take place at all up coming events so don't wait to buy your tickets.

Remember to check our website for future events and next year's Family Day.