Outdoor Briefs

BOATING SAFETY REMINDER

Paddlers also required to follow boating regulations

With the arrival of spring, the Nevada Department of Wildlife reminds kayakers, canoe users and paddle boaters of all kinds they are subject to the same equipment requirements and boating regulations as others boat on the water.

With the growth in popularity of paddle sports, game wardens and other officers who patrol Nevada's waterways for boating safety have noticed tany paddlers are unaware of the basic boating rules that apply to all boaters, including the requirement that all boaters carry life jackets for every person aboard a boat.

"We've seen tremendous growth of this segment of boaters," said Capt. David Pfiffner, Nevada's boating law administrator. "We're delighted that people are getting outdoors and taking advantage of Nevada's amazing recreation opportunities, but we just ask boaters to take a few minutes and learn the basic safety rules of boating."

Game wardens are seeing growth in paddle sports in every part of Nevada, from stand-up paddle boarding at Lakes Tahoe and Mead to whitewater kayaking on the Truckee River. Most experienced whitewater enthusiasts understand the need for life jackets, but the growth of the sport is bringing less educated boaters to Nevada waters across the state, according to Pfiffner.

Stand-up paddleboards are showing up on every Nevada waterway. On warmer waters, such as Lakes Mead and Mohave, game wardens are seeing numerous issues involving these types of boats.

"Paddlers are also not supposed to operate the paddle board in designated swim areas," said Lieutenant Mike Maynard, the game warden who oversees Nevada's southern region. "Paddlers should also be aware of other areas closed to vessel traffic, which will be clearly identified with regulatory markers. The bottom line is that paddlers are subject to all the same rules of any other boat."

Paddling is growing in Nevada and nationwide. Boaters can follow just a few simple rules to make sure this activity remains a positive experience for all boaters.

SOMETHING NEW

Introduction to bowfishing class scheduled

Anglers looking for a new challenge and those who have never been fishing before may want to consider the sport of bowfishing. To help people get started the Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering an introductory bowfishing course designed to give participants a hands-on experience with the. The class is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 21 at Veteran's Memorial Park Pond, 1650 Buchanan Blvd. in Boulder City.

Participants need not be an experienced archer. The bowfishing class is designed for any individual 10 years of age or older who has minimal to intermediate experience with archery equipment. Subject matter will include such basics as equipment and its function, basic shooting and fishing technique, field safety and understanding water refraction. NDOW staff will conduct a 30-minute instruction period to be followed by a shooting experience on submerged targets. All equipment is provided and the cost is free. The class will end at noon.

Class registration will begin May 16 and space is limited.

For more information or to register contact Chris Cheff at (702) 486-5127, Ext. 3504.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

Women's fly-fishing class scheduled for May 21

In honor of Mother's Day the Nevada Department of Wildlife will have an introductory fly-fishing class for women May 21 at the agency's Las Vegas office, 4747 Vegas Drive. This free class will begin at 8 a.m.

Class participants will learn about choosing equipment, knots, terminology and basic casting skills. The casting portion is a hands-on learning experience and will be conducted at a nearby park. All equipment will be provided by NDOW. Course registration begins Monday.

For more information, or to register for the course, contact Ivy Santee, (702) 486-5127, Ext. 3503.