The best Outdoorsmen and women are “Students of their sport!” This means that they are always learning and challenging themselves. The more tackle in their boxes, the more opportunity for success.
One way to go back to Outdoor School is to attend local Outdoor Shows. These venues often have seminar classes and presentations that share wonderful information and gear. The lessons are normally less than an hour and scheduled. Show admission fees often cover the entire weekend, so you can attend multiple days and events.
Look at the advertisements for the schedule. They are usually posted on the show’s website or local news. You can certainly walk around the show and check out the other outdoor booths, but for me, the best part of these shows are the Seminars.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take notes. Many students forget much of what is presented unless they have notes to return to. Really good students may pick up 3 things from a class. For most they are lucky to remember one.
You can also check out YouTube videos for great information. Pick and choose through the junk, but there are plenty of great ones. Humans are visual learners, so we learn as we watch. Practice while you are watching.
Ex. Fishing Knots Watch and tie the knots shown. Rewind if you need.
Fly Tying What a great way to learn how to tie a fly.
Elk Calling/hunting Vendors often demonstrate their commercial calls. Little tricks and tips make a huge difference. Learn from the manufacturer.
Casting Some shows have a casting pond to practice spinning and fly casting. The instructors often invite students for hands on training.
Take notes and/or print out some information.
Books are a great way to learn but many find them old school. Use the index to locate places, skills, techniques, etc. Use this knowledge to dial up some videos or take questions to your Mentor or a seminar instructor.
Clubs and Groups Join organizations so that you can network for new friends, tips, and tricks.
Guides Hire an experienced Guide to show and teach you the ropes. Look for the ones with the sweat stained hats.
The Great Rockies Outdoor Show will be happening in Billings, Montana on Jan. 19-21. Montana Grant will be presenting seminars on Saturday and Sunday.
The Seminars are.
ICE FISHIN. CHILLIN and DRILLIN! (Sat, 1:00)
FLY FISHING. FIRST CAST TO FIRST FISH! (Sun. 2:00)
Times and locations at the Metra Center will be announced for other seminars. Bring a clipboard and take some notes. Montana Grant is a retired educator of 40 years. See if you can earn an A+ in his class.
Montana Grant
