-
ATV
Use and Safety
- Learn basic all terrain vehicle (ATV) safety and riding techniques.
Learn how to ride over obstacles and what safety equipment is
a must for riding an ATV. You will learn about the different types
of ATV and which would be right for you. ATVs will be on hand
to practice your newly-learned skills. MUST HAVE LONG PANTS AND BOOTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLASS.
-
Canoeing
- Learn the skills to paddle a canoe through calm or rough waters.
Practice basic paddling strokes and learn important safety rules.
This class is a great introduction to the diverse sport of paddling,
taking you from your first experience and transforming you into
a confident paddler. Class is taught off site on a nearby lake
and travel time is included in the class. Be prepared, you may
get wet! It is recommended that participants bring a hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion for sun protection and a change of clothes in case you get wet.
-
Backyard
Wildlife - Learn the basic habitat needs of wildlife
and how to provide them in your backyard.
Overnight
Backpacking- Learn what to take along, and what to
leave behind. Equipment selection for various comfort levels including
tents, sleeping bags, cook stoves, backpacks, water purification
methods and menu items will be explored. Includes camp sanitation
and trail etiquette. Note: There is NO camping involved in this
class.
-
Personal
Safety - Don't be afraid to walk alone on your favorite
trail again. Learn how to protect yourself when enjoying the outdoors.
This class will teach basic self-defense geared towards women.
-
Birding - Learn the basic skills of watching birds, how to select and use binoculars, how to watch birds in the field and use field guides. Learn tips on selecting bird feeders and seed to attract birds at home. Will be walking outdoors and identifying birds in the area.
-
Basic
Riflery / Handgun - Learn
and practice basic positions for shooting rifles and handguns.
Participants will be shooting at paper targets, dueling trees
and falling block targets with small caliber rifles and handguns
with emphasis on recreational shooting. Participants will sharpen
skills with plenty of time on the shooting range. This is not
a personal protection class. (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or
hunter education certificate).
-
Wild
Edibles & Wildflowers - Walk through nature and
identify plants and flowers, discovering their many uses.
-
Fish
and Game Cleaning - Acquire basic techniques for field
dressing Indiana fish and game. Partipants will have the opportunity
to field dress game in this class.
-
Basic
Camping - The attraction of the outdoors can be overwhelming
to first-time campers. Don't let worrying about where to go, what
gear to buy, or other fears keep you from enjoying a night outdoors.
Learn the basics necessary for a down right delightful camping
experience. Includes selecting the appropriate camping gear for
your needs, discovering the camping opportunities in Indiana,
good camp etiquette etc. This is a beginner class that focuses
on tent camping and is not for well-seasoned campers.
-
Tree
ID - Learn about trees in Indiana and how to identify
them. Session will cover how trees grow, structure and function
of tree parts, and how to use a key to identify trees. We will
also go around Ross Camp to look at and identify a few of the
tree species found around Ross Camp. Long pants and shoes or boots are recommended (no sandles).
-
Survival
101 - A exploration of basic skills needed to survive
in an outdoor emergency. Planning, preparation and psychology
of survival are discussed. Includes a hands-on exercise in building
simple shelters, fire, finding water and food and getting rescued. Requires ability to hike through rugged
terrain. Long pants and hiking shoes are highly recommended.
-
Upland
Gamebird Hunting/Dog Handling - Learn the skills necessary
to take to the field in pursuit of upland birds. Equipment, dog
training and safe hunting techniques will all be covered. This
will be an in the field exercise so dress appropriately for traveling
thru weeds and brush. Please be aware there will be live firing
and gamebirds will be harvested. This
class is dependent on the availability of birds. If birds are
not available, participants will learn how to handle dogs in a
hunting scenario. Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or
hunter education certificate. Participants without
these requirements can track birds, but will not be able to use
the firearms.
-
Basic
Shotgun - Learn and practice
basic shotgun techniques. Participants will enhance skills while
shooting at aerial clay targets. (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety
or hunter education certificate).
-
Wood
Carving - Learn the basic wood carving skills. Tool
selection, wood choices and basic techniques will be taught while
participants carve their own item to take home.
-
Firearms
Safety - An introduction to different types of firearms
and the basics of firearm safety. Includes information on selecting
and purchasing firearms. Does not include any actual shooting.
This session is a prerequisite for anyone taking any of the shooting
classes who does not have a Hunter Ed. Certificate. If you
have attended this session in a prior year, it is not necessary
to repeat the class. For information on upcoming Hunter Ed. courses,
click here or contact
(317-232-4010). Class may run over to cover necessary information.
-
Mountain
Biking - Learn how to select and ride a mountain bike.
Participants will learn which size bike is right for them and
the functions of the major parts of a mountain bike. Safety and
what gear to bring with you will also be included with this course.
Get on a bike and ride some trails to learn techniques for maneuvering.
If you have your own bike and equipment, bring it along. Weather permitting, participants WILL ride.
-
Outdoor
Cooking - Bring your empty
stomach and desire to learn. You will learn different outdoor cooking techniques.
-
Basic
Fishing - Get started in fishing.
Learn how to care for and use fishing equipment. You’ll also
learn knot tying and casting skills as well as picking your fishing
spot. You will go fishing during the course and participants will
have the opportunity to use different types of fishing equipment
and tackle during the session. Participants will acquire a basic
knowledge of fish, fishing, equipment and the skills it takes
to participate in the sport.
-
Fly
Fishing I and II - Fly Casting is designed for the student with
little or no knowledge of the mechanics of fly casting. Students
will learn basic fly casting techniques and introduced to equipment
needed for fly fishing. Basic knots necessary for fly fishing
will also be taught. All casting will be done on dry land, although
students will be challenged to take to the water. All equipment
will be provided. Fly Fishing II is a continuation of Fly Fishing I and participants must enroll for both courses.
-
From
Stick to Staff - Create your own useful and attractive
hiking staff. Also, learn how to use a hiking stick efficiently,
and learn the uses for a hiking stick other than just hiking.
Participants will choose their sticks from the woods on sight
and learn about different types of wood that make useful staffs.
-
Fly
Tying - Learn the basic tools, materials, and techniques
to tie your own flies. Participants will tie common mid-western
warm-water patterns while learning the fundamentals of fly tying.
-
Archery
-
Learn how to select bows, arrows and other archery equipment with
an emphasis on use of the bow for hunting. Participants can try
out various archery equipment on the range.
(*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate).
-
Outdoor
Photography - Covers tricks and techniques for capturing
nature in your photographs. Bring your own camera, as the class
will be putting skills into action. The focus of this class is
on composition and picture-taking skills, not camera operation.
-
Gun
Care and Cleaning
- A properly cared for gun is safer, more
effective, will last longer and be more valuable. Learn how to
clean, store and care for basic types of shotguns, rifles and
handguns.
-
Trapping
and Fur Craft - Learn simple trapping skills, how to
handle and tan hides, and how to put furs to use by making a warm
and fashionable fur hat. Gather ideas for making other fur crafts
and garments. This course is taught by one of Indiana’s most
accomplished and knowledgeable female trappers.
-
Orient
Yourself Outdoors - Learn the basics of orienteering
with a map and compass as navigational tools. Besides its usefulness
for hunting and other outdoor activities, this skill is a popular
recreational activity in its own right.
-
Wildlife
Habitat and Tracking - Learn about Indiana’s diverse
wildlife and where to find it. Learn about animal behavior and
how to read the subtle signs that animals leave behind. Make plaster
casts of animal tracks and explore the camp using your new-found
tracking skills.