Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Bird Dog Training Seminar

April 6-7

Bird Dog Hall of Famer Rick Smith will again bring his nationally recognized two-day bird dog training seminar to Charlottesville, on Saturday and Sunday April 6-7. In this seminar, participants bring their own dogs and learn time-tested ways to train their dogs to become bird dogs that they can be proud of and enjoy in the hunting field. Subjects to be covered will include the basics: to go with you, to come to you, and to stand still. These basics will be expanded to involve pointing and backing, whoa, heel, proper use of e-collar, and steady to wing and shot. For details and a brochure, contact Peter Easter at 434-906-1776 or Rick Smith at 804-784-3882.

Free Fishing Days

June 7-9

June 7 through 9 have been designated as Free Fishing Days in Virginia. No fishing license of any kind will be required for rod and reel fishing in freshwater or saltwater, on these days. For details, visit www.dgif.virginia.gov

Waterfowl Hunting Skills

Saturday, Aug. 24

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Interested in waterfowl hunting? Want to improve your existing skills? In cooperation with the Virginia Waterfowlers Association and Dance’s Sporting Goods, this workshop for youth and adults 12 years old and up will focus on three waterfowling topics; Wing Shooting Skills: Live fire (firearms and ammo provided), Decoy Placement: both duck and goose spreads for different conditions, and Waterfowl Regulations and Identification: conducted by a Conservation Police Officer. Lunch consisting of hotdogs and chips will be provided or bring your own. This is a rain or shine event. Feel free to bring your own shotgun, must be unloaded and cased as well as locked in your vehicle during other segments of this workshop.

• Sussex Shooting Sports, 4729 General Mahone Highway, Waverly. Call 804-834-3801.