OUTDOOR BRIEFS

WORKSHOP SET

Women-only outdoor event scheduled

The Las Vegas chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nevada Department of Wildlife are hosting a special outdoor event just for women. The "Women in the Outdoors" workshop is scheduled for Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Spencer Kimball Boy Scout Reservation just outside of Las Vegas near Mount Potosi.

Participants will have their choice of approximately 16 workshops taught by volunteers and staff from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, as well as members of the outdoor sporting community.

Registration is $60 per person, but a mother and daughter duo can get in for $80. The daughter must be 14 to 17 years old. Registration forms can be obtained online at www.womenintheoutdoors.org/wito/eventPDFs/280011.pdf or by calling Wendy Andersen, (951) 600-9268; Jessica Johnson, (702) 204-8127; or Margie Klein, (702) 486-5127, Ext. 3502.

REMEMBER SAFETY

Duck hunters are boaters, too

Many duck hunters don't see themselves as boaters, because they generally use their boat simply as the means to get to and from their hunting spot.

With the 2008-2009 duck season set to open Oct. 11 in most of the state, the Nevada Department of Wildlife wants hunters to implement a few boating safety precautions to keep themselves and their passengers safe and sound. Because the only thing that should be bagged during a duck hunting trip is a few are ducks.

First and foremost everyone onboard the boat should wear a life jacket. A life jacket will keep you afloat if you fall over board allowing you to concentrate on getting yourself out of the cold water instead of struggling just to stay afloat. Another good habit is to avoid wearing hip waders while onboard the boat. During a fall overboard, the wader could fill with water, and the added weight of the water will make self rescue almost impossible.

Second, make sure you have all required safety gear on board. This includes a fire extinguisher, life jackets of proper size and fit for everyone on board, and a Type IV throwable cushion.

Perhaps the most important safety tip is to take a state approved hunter safety course along with a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boating safety course. More information about those courses can be found online at www.ndow.org or by calling (702) 486-5127.

BIG HONOR

Nevada game warden receives award

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) Game Warden Lieutenant in Las Vegas won the Officer of the Year award Sept. 15 in Clearwater Beach, Fla., from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators during that organization's annual conference.

Lt. David G. Pfiffner, 51, of North Las Vegas, was given the honor for his more than 20 years of work in the Las Vegas area. He was awarded for his contribution to boating safety on Lakes Mead and Mohave as the game warden supervisor and for his role in arresting drunken boaters.

"When Dave started, we didn't even think about drunken boating," said Rob Buonamici, chief game warden at NDOW. "Dave built our Operating Under the Influence program. He has personally arrested dozens of drunken boaters and worked toward reducing accidents. He is one of our most dedicated officers, and we are not at all surprised that he took top honors in the country this year."