Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 27, 1995 TAG: 9503280030
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
4 Should the fall turkey hunting season be shortened? Would it be OK for hunters to use telescopic sights on their black-powder guns during the special muzzleloading seasons?
These are questions that will be put to hunters across the state during 11 public hearings, including one April 4, 7 p.m. at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke County.
The hearings are designed to give the public an opportunity to respond to hunting season proposals made by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries on March 17. After they have been discussed by the public, the proposals will be voted on by the department's board in Richmond on May 5.
The series of public hearings will include stops at Abingdon High School in Abingdon, 7 p.m. April 3 and 7 p.m. April 5 at Wilson Memorial High School in Fisherville, 7 p.m., April 5.
\ Bikers climb 'Dragon's Back'
9 The first stop of the 1995 All Sports/East Coasters Virginia Championship Mountain Bike Series will be a ride across the "Dragon's Back" on April 9. That is a technically challenging piece of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in the North Mountain area near Catawba. It is a rugged area where the rocks are shaped like the scales of a dragon and they can draw blood.
The championship, going into its third year, has drawn attention to the excellent mountain biking opportunities in the region around Roanoke. Race chairman Kyle Inman calls the trails "among the best in the world." Last year, more than 500 competitors participated.
Other stops in the championship include the Rebel Ramble near Rocky Mount, May 27 and 28, and the Escape near New Castle on Oct. 1. Competition is open to mountain bike enthusiasts of all skill levels. The registration fee is $18 up to one week in advance, $25 at the event. For an entry form and information, call the Virginia Championship Commission in Roanoke, 981-1034.
\ Toms gobbling, hunters waiting
15 The mild mornings have tom turkeys gobbling along the ridge top, but it will be April 15 before hunters can go after them with guns. When it finally arrives, the season should be a dandy one. Turkey reproduction has been good the past two springs, said Gary Norman, the upland game biologist for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The birds born two springs ago can be expected to provide a high percentage of the challenges for hunters.
The season continues through May 20, with hunting permitted from one half-hour before sunrise until noon each day. The limit is one bearded bird per day.
\ Learning how to cast a fly
21 Fly fishing is considered to be one of the most demanding forms of angling, and that can make it one of the most exciting, too. Getting some hands-on help can be important for a beginner. That will be provided during a three- day fly fishing school scheduled for April 21-23 at the Hemlock Haven Conference Center at Hungry Mother State Park. The event is for beginners and novices who are interested in unraveling the mysteries of tackle, entomology, knots, wading, flies, casting and stream lore.
The cost is $225 per person, which includes cabin lodging, meals and instruction. If you want to commute, the price is $175. For information, call 703-783-7121.
\ Sharpening the birder's eye
22 What's this? A warbler? A sparrow? No! A leaf. Sorry.
So maybe you would like to brush up on the fundamentals of bird watching. Even discover a new perspective on looking and listening.
The Roanoke Valley Bird Club is ready to help. The club, which embraces the best of the birders in the valley, will offer a special field trip for newcomers to the activity or for anyone who wants to work on basic skills.
On April 22, club members will take budding birders to some of the best springtime bird watching spots. If you'd like to participate, contact Jim Ayers, the field trip coordinator, 345-7591.
by CNB