Nevada holds some truly unique recreation opportunities for kids and families and the Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) and their community partners are teaming up to help people recreate safely this summer.
From fishing and trap shooting to dirt bike riding, summer is a great time to get outdoors and have fun, but learning the proper safety tips to make the most of these activities is key to a truly enjoyable experience.
“We are always trying to increase our time spent outdoors whether you’re a beginner, novice or an expert, we always welcome anybody to any of our workshops…[Safety] is what we are all about,” explained NOS Communications and Marketing Specialist Jacklynn Orr.
NOS’s Fishing for Beginners Workshop and the Dirt Bike School programs are taking place on Saturday, July 8 and will give anglers and riders great hands-on experience and tips for how to have fun and be safe.
Anglers interested in the Fishing for Beginners Workshop (from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will be learning and practicing their skills at the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and there will be transportation from the NOS office Elko and Khoury’s Market in Spring Creek to the Lake. Space is limited so registration is required, but participants do not need a fishing license. To register for the workshop, call (775) 777-0814.
“There’s going to be a lot of information as to casting, where to cast, general information about the area, information about what you’ll be fishing for, things to watch out for and of course, we always preach, Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly,” said Orr.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is working with NOS to present Dirt Bike School to anyone over the age of six the importance of safety and other basic skills the same day.
For ages six to 11, the program will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and for ages 13 to adults, the program will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Riders should get registered by July 7 and can secure a loaner bike by emailing kyle.negus@humboldtcountynv.gov. Helmets, eye protection, gloves, boots and pants are required for each person.
“[This program] is trying to get the awareness of just being safe out there, and doing things correctly and not just going out there and ripping around,” explained Orr.
NOS’s Third Annual Youth Trap Shoot Tournament will take place July 15 beginning at 9 a.m. for those ages seven to 17 at the Winnemucca Trap Club (5001 East Second Street) and is completely free. This year’s sponsors Bighorn Unlimited of Midas purchased shotguns for participants to use, the Winnemucca trap Club is providing guns for participants to borrow and is providing education, and the Chukar Chasers are covering all expenses plus lunch from the local food truck, Back Burner Smoke Haus.
According to Orr, shooters will always have an experienced adult with them and will learn safety and technique skills at the event. Everyone will also receive a goodie bag that includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gun. Call (775) 623-5656 to register.
Recreation safety is generational and can be passed down from adults to kids, so learning the foundations at a young age can benefit not just individuals, but those around them and those in the future.
“It’s our third annual event. It gets bigger and bigger each year and there is no cap on how many shooters we have or how many participants we will have…[Participants are] learning proper stance, how to use their hearing protection, why they need glasses…We’re just trying to provide a positive experience because these kids are our future,” said Orr.
NOS offers a wide range of events for kids of all ages and adults to participate in and get outdoors. These programs are just a few that NOS are offering during the month of July. For more information about their other programs and opportunities offered year-round, visit nevadaoutdoorschool.org.