New England Backcountry Hunters and Anglers of Harpswell invite anyone interested in hunting, fishing, gathering wild foods, or other outdoor skills to attend the upcoming rendezvous Friday through Sunday, Aug. 10-12, on Swan Island in the Kennebec River off Richmond, according to a news release from the Harpswell organization.
Workshops presented by experienced outdoorsmen and women throughout the weekend will include fly casting, map-and-compass and smartphone wilderness navigation, backcountry camping gear, knife building, wild-foods foraging and cooking, do-it-yourself Western hunting, and more. On Saturday evening attendees will share in a wild- and local-foods potluck dinner and an open-mic storytelling event. Attendees can take an archery course along woods trails, as well as take part in opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming and spending time with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
For those who are new to the outdoors or curious about hunting as a source of wild food or as an intense, skill-based activity, New England BHA will introduce its new Hunting Mentor Program, which pairs experienced hunters with those who are keen to learn more.
“There is a new generation of people coming to hunting who are interested in wild game as a source of nutritious and ethical food” said Jenna Rozelle, a professional forager and New England BHA board member, according to the release. Rozelle continued, “Many new hunters do not come from families with a hunting background and they are keen to learn about a conservation-minded approach to hunting and the skills needed to be a successful hunter. Since we announced the program recently, the response from experienced hunters excited to serve as mentors and new hunters looking for guidance has been very positive.”
Swan Island is managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
“We’re excited to be partnering with MDIFW” said Robert Bryan, co-chairman of the New England BHA chapter, according to the release. “Swan Island is a great place for a summer outing in Maine.”
Rendezvous details:
Date: Aug. 10-12. Weekend or single-day registration available
Location: Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area on Swan Island, Richmond
Access: MDIFW runs a ferry to the island, or attendees can paddle less than 2 miles to the campground where the Rendezvous is being held.
Registration: For more event details and to register, go to www.backcountryhunters.org/events. Registration ranges from $5 youth/single day to $30 adult/weekend with camping, plus and $8 island access fee for day or weekend.
Camping: Campsites are limited and campers must register in advance.
Wild and Local Foods Dinner: Saturday evening — bring a potluck item to share
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is the fastest-growing hunting and angling organization in North America, with New England membership growing more than 10-fold since 2104. BHA advocates for the conservation and sound stewardship of public-access lands and waters, for fish and wildlife management that places the highest priority on healthy populations of game and non-game species, and an ethical, fair-chase approach to hunting and fishing.
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