Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 28, 1994 TAG: 9403310276
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The fall hunting seasons may seem a long way off, but it's never too early to begin thinking about safety. A series of hunter-safety classes has been scheduled at the Brambleton Center (old Roanoke County Administration Office) beginning April 4. These are Department of Game and Inland Fisheries certified courses taught by Jerry Jenkins and other firearm experts from the Roanoke Rifle and Revolver Club. The project is coordinated by Paul Nester, of the Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Department.
The free instruction lasts 10 hours (register by calling 561-8019) and is taught during four consecutive evenings. In addition to the April course, others begin June 20, Aug. 22 and Oct. 24. The completion of a certified hunter education class is required before a first-time hunter can purchase a hunting license.
The courses cover a wide variety of subjects, including handguns, bowhunting, muzzleloading and hunter-landowner relationships.
9 - Next thing to bowhunting
Three-dimensional archery targets have sparked year-round shooting interest among bowhunters, a fact that will be evident April 9 and 10 at the Sherwood Archers range near Hanging Rock. That's when the club will hold the 1994 Virginia Bowhunters Open 3-D Spring Championship.
The competition will consist of 25 McKenzie Natra-Look targets on April 9 and 25 on April 10. Registration will be conducted 6-9 p.m. April 8, and 7 a.m. to noon April 9. The fee is $20 or $40 for a family. For additional information, contact Phil Cantrell, 387-2145.
10 - Ski until you drop
The ski season is going to run out of steam before it runs out of snow. There is plenty of snow at Snowshoe in West Virginia, where a 40- to 80-inch base was being reported last week, but skier interest is beginning to decline. So Snowshoe, along with Timberline and Canaan Valley, plans to end its skiing season April 10. Other ski resorts in Virginia and West Virginia have closed or will close before April 10.
There are no regrets. The 1993-94 season was an excellent one, the best ever for many resorts.
During the late season, it's always a good idea to call ahead to check on conditions, which can change rapidly. You also need to get the word on late-season discounts: Snowshoe, 304-572-1000; Canaan Valley, 800-622-4121; Timberline, 304-866-4801.
"You can even get a suntan while skiing at Snowshoe," said Chris Canfield, the resort's public relations director.
12 - Know before you go boating
April offers a number of opportunities for boaters to make certain their knowledge and skills are shipshape. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has scheduled a two-evening course called ``Know Before You Go'' beginning 7 p.m. April 12 at the Safety Council of Southwest Virginia in Roanoke. Call 344-4676 to register for the free instruction.
The course also will be taught April 26-27 at the Smith Mountain Lake Lewis-Gale Medical Center. Call the sponsor, Smith Mountain Eagle, to register, 703-297-1222.
Boaters desiring more detailed instruction may sign up for an eight-night Roanoke Valley Power Squadron course beginning April 7 at the Safety Council of Southwest Virginia office. There will be a charge for text materials. Call Howard Chilton in Union Hall to register, 703-576-2181.
16 - Worth gobbling about
State game officials are predicting an excellent spring gobbler hunting season. The winter food supply was abundant, a fact that should send the big birds into the breeding season in peak physical condition, which means plenty of gobbling.
Some hunters already are scouting favorite ranges as they prepare for the April 16-May 21 season. Young toms, called jakes, should be abundant following last spring's above-average hatch. While jakes won't gobble like mature birds, they will offer some opportunities for spring sport this season, and they are the promise of an excellent season next spring.
17 - Pedaling the Dragon's Back
It is called the second annual Mountain Dew/East Coasters Virginia State Championship Mountain Bike Series, and it has some pretty long climbs, too. It is composed of five races, two more than last time.
The first leg is the Dragon's Back on April 17 in the Catawba area of the Jefferson National Forest. Other races are set for May 8 in New Castle, May 29 in Rocky Mount, June 18 in Buena Vista and July 10 in Blacksburg. A tabloid containing a registration form and other information is available at bike shops, or call 981-1034 for more information.
by CNB