Lake Metigoshe State Park presents...

The Wild Outdoor Women (WOW) Weekend at Lake Metigoshe State Park is primarily for ladies over the age of 16 who wish to learn or improve on skills associated with several outdoor recreational activities.

*Registration fees range $20-$85 per session depending upon the activity. Fees cover equipment use, state park entrance fees and costs associated with providing activities.

*Participants register for desired number of sessions in addition to optional meals and lodging.

*Equipment and materials are provided, unless otherwise stated in descriptions.

Registration requires ranking the activities; activities will fill as registrations are submitted. Participation is limited.

*Participants older than 16, yet under the age of 18 at the time of the event, need to attend event with a parent/guardian.

*Registration opens Monday, December 18, 2017 at noon via www.parkrec.nd.gov.

WOW Event Contact:

Amy Schimetz, Lake Metigoshe State Park aschimetz@nd.gov 701-263-4514

Friday, February 23 Session I—6:30pm—8:30pm (Mini-Session) Wild About Wildlife Things that Go Bump in the Night-On Snowshoes! Tree Cookie Art Gun Safety Introduction to Geocaching

Saturday, February 24 Session II—8:30am—12:00pm Snowmobile Certification Course Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing Arm Knitting Flintknapping Darkhouse Spearfishing (Session II & III) Intro to Dutch Oven Cooking & Care Fur Handling (Session II & III)

Session III—1:00pm—4:30pm Darkhouse Spearfishing (Continued) Snowshoe Lacing (Session III & V) Fur Handling (Continued) Fish Decoy Carving & Painting Introduction to Downhill Skiing Snowshoeing Adventures Progressive Outdoor Cooking

Session IV—6:00pm—8:00pm (Mini Session) Pressure Canning All About Owls Self Defense Maple Snow Pops Self-Guided Moonlit Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski or Fat-Tire Bike Adventure

Sunday, February 25 Session V—8:30am—12:00pm Darkhouse Spearfishing (all day) Snowshoe Lacing (Continued) Bird Carving & Painting Advanced Cross-Country Skiing Processing Wild Game Winter Survival

Renville

County

Sheriff’s Office

2018 WOW Event-Winter Lake Metigoshe State Park

General Information

Registration Process and Fees Registration opens at noon on Monday, December 18, 2017 via www.parkrec.nd.gov. At that time, those interested in registering will have the option to register online via a fillable form or print registration form to fill out and mail in. Due to the hands-on nature and equipment involved with these activities, each session will have a limited number of participants. Sessions will fill as registrations are received via online registration or postal mail; registrations will not be taken via telephone. An email address is required for confirmations and future announcements. Registrations need to be received on or before the January 22, 2018 deadline. Session fees are $20-$85, depending upon activities within each of the sessions. Fees cover equipment use, state park entrance fees and incidental costs associated with the sessions. Participants can register for desired amount of sessions. Meals and lodging are available for additional nominal fees (see below). Registrants are required to rank their top three activity choices for each session they wish to participate in. In the event that more registrations come in than there are spots available in any one activity (postal mail), a lottery will be held with remaining folks being placed into their following choice(s). Those older than 16 years of age, yet under the age of 18 are required to register for the event with a parent and/or guardian.

Confirmation Confirmations will be sent via email mid-late January, letting participants know which activities they were able to be registered for as well as an invoice outlining applicable fees for programs, meals and lodging. Please check email often, including junk email folder, to ensure correspondence in not missed.

Payment Payment must be received on or before February 9, 2018. Preferred payment options include credit card (Visa, Master Card or Discover) or a personal check made payable to North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department. Those paying with a credit card need to call LMSP 701-263-4651 or Amy Schimetz 701-263-4514 for payment to be taken via telephone. Failure to meet February payment deadline will result in forfeited participation. Please check email, including junk folder, often to ensure you are getting all correspondence, and ensuring a deadline isn’t missed.

Cancellation Policy A $50 processing fee will be charged to registered participants that cancel on or before February 9, 2018. Registered participants that cancel February 10 or later in addition to registered participants that do not attend will waive their full registration amount-no exceptions. Registered participants cancelling out of snowshoe lacing will be subject to the $50 fee processing fee in addition to the snowshoe kit expenses ($80). Full refunds will be available to those impacted by road closures and/or no travel advisories.

Meals, Beverages & Snacks Meals will be available in the amounts of $7/breakfast, $8/lunch and $10/supper. Please indicate on registration which meals you’d like to join us for. Snacks will be provided to those registered for sessions II, III, and/or V. If you have special dietary needs, a refrigerator and microwave will be available for you. Water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available throughout the weekend. At meal times milk and lemonade will also be available. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own re-fillable water bottles and coffee cups.

Lodging The two dorm facilities at Lake Metigoshe State Park are large rooms with bunk style beds. One dorm will be for night owls, the other for early risers. Those staying in dorms will need to provide their own towels, bedding and toiletries. Consider bringing slip on footwear for walking outside to and from the adjacent comfort stations, which is where flushing toilets, sinks and showers are located. Lodging in the LMSP dorm facilities for this event is $10/person/night.

What to Bring Although equipment is provided for all of the activities, all are welcome to bring their own recreational equipment (snowshoes, cross-country skis, etc.). Please be familiar with weather forecast so that you can pack and dress accordingly to maximize your safety, comfort and enjoyment. The Lake Metigoshe area is usually colder than most areas of the state. Participants may want to consider bringing additional items to include, but not be limited to extra socks, extra gloves, lip balm, sunglasses, personal prescriptions, camera, camp chair, games/cards, disposable hand warmers and cell phone charger.

Campfire Socials There’s nothing like meeting new folks or reconnecting with old friends while swapping stories ‘round a fire! There will be campfire socials on Friday and Saturday evenings within the night owl dorm following the mini-sessions. All registered participants are welcome. Feel free to bring snacks, beverages and games! Limited seating is available so consider bringing your favorite camping chair. The dining hall will be available as well should folks want a place to gather for board games or cards.

Arrival/Checking in Please check-in at the Lake Metigoshe State Park Kitchen/Dining Hall, which is located at the entrance of the state park. There will be a table with park information and a folder for each registered participant that will include information you will need. Participants should meet at the kitchen/dining hall prior to sessions to find out the location where each activity will take place. Please do your best to be on time. Organizers are also teaching activities and may not be available to accommodate late arrivals. If you are late due to unforeseen reasons, please check-in at the Dining Hall as information about where activities will be held as well as an LMSP map will be posted.

Questions? Please contact Amy Schimetz via aschimetz@nd.gov or 701-263-4514.

Wild About Wildlife Instructor: Elisha Mueller, ND Game & Fish Department In this mini-session, you will get a hands-on introduction to North Dakota’s native wildlife by investigating the skulls, antlers, talons and pelts of a number of different species. We will explore their behaviors and where they fit into their ecosystems before delving into the fundamentals of tracking these animals across the landscape. We will also be making plaster casts of tracks that each participant will be able to take home with them. Come prepared to learn about animal ecology, tracking and more! This activity will take place indoors.

Things that Go Bump in the Night-On Snowshoes! Instructor: Erika Kolbow, ND Parks & Recreation Department Face your fears of the dark and put some miles on your snowshoes! Learn about the creatures of the night and your own adaptations to help you get around the park in the dark. Please no light up or glow objects-flashlights and cell phones must remain in your pockets. Snowshoes will be available, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Dress in layers!

Tree Cookie Painting Instructor: Char Binstock, ND Parks & Recreation Department Tickle the creative side of your brain while exploring what nature has to offer. We have project ideas and designs for every skill level, so don’t worry about having skills like Picasso. We will simply use the inspiration of nature to paint whatever comes to mind on a tree cookie canvas. You will be supplied with all the painting materials and can take a beautiful nature souvenir home with you. This activity will take place indoors.

Gun Safety Instructor: Chris Lee, ND Parks & Recreation Department Gain basic knowledge on gun handling and storage of firearms. There will be demonstrations pertaining to how to safely load and unload a variety of action types and keeping them maintained. We will also go through some of the main causes of firearm accidents as we work towards making you more comfortable with firearms whether they are in your hands or simply in your home. This session will take place indoors.

Introduction to Geocaching Instructor: Amy Schimetz, ND Parks & Recreation Department Get a simple taste of this outdoor activity by first discovering the history of geocaching, how to find a geocache, what they consists of and what you do once you find them. We’ll also set out and find at least two geocaches hidden within Lake Metigoshe State Park. If you have a smartphone you plan to utilize, download the free geocaching app. GPS units will be available to those that do not have a smartphone or their own GPS. The first portion of this session will be indoors, but please be prepared to go outdoors to find geocaches!

Snowmobiling Certification Course Instructors: Erik Dietrich and Char Binstock, ND Parks & Recreation Department Safe riding is the key to any successful outing on a snowmobile. Learn how to safely operate a snowmobile, wear appropriate winter riding gear and become familiar with North Dakota laws and regulations. After successfully passing this course, each participant will get a snowmobile certification card. This is a hands-on session so please be prepared and dressed for spending the morning outdoors and doing a bit of riding. Snowmobiles and helmets will be available. If you have your own snowmobiling helmet, feel free to bring it.

Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing Instructors: Emily Mercer & Terri Lundberg This is a beginner’s class, but all skill levels are welcome! We’ll go over the basics before setting out onto the beautifully groomed trails located within Lake Metigoshe State Park. We’ll start out with a little history and discuss equipment. Participants will learn how to get fitted for skis, boots and poles in addition to some tips and tricks from staying upright to how to fall and get back up! Please dress in layers; depending upon the weather, you will appreciate being able to layer up or down. Equipment is provided. Those that have their own skis are welcome to bring their own or utilize provided equipment.

Arm Knitting Instructor: Julie Thompson Learn the basics of arm knitting and complete your own super-soft, chunky cowl. Ideal for beginners! No prior knitting knowledge is necessary. Makes a great gift for yourself or someone else. Those taking this session will need to purchase and bring two skeins of either worsted or bulky weight yarn (106 yards each). Feel free to get your favorite color(s). Come prepared to use your arms instead of knitting needles! This activity will take place indoors.

Flintknapping: Making Stone Tools Instructor: Brooke Morgan, State Historical Society of ND Learn the fundamentals of flintknapping and make your own stone tools! In this session, we'll cover the history of stone tool use in North Dakota, the mechanics of working with stone, how to create and maintain sharp edges on a tool, and how archaeologists learn about the past by flintknapping. Long pants and close-toed shoes are required. Leather or coated work gloves optional. Safety glasses and raw materials will be provided. This activity will take place indoors.

Darkhouse Spearfishing (Session II & III) Instructors: Jeff Long, ND Game & Fish Department & Cody Clemenson and Al Burgard We’ll go through needed equipment and gear, teach you how to set up for the day, spear and provide instruction on fish cleaning. Equipment is provided. Participants are required to register at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/darkhouse-spearfishing. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Please be able to provide registration number. Dress in layers. Darkhouse spearfishing is a day-long activity, spanning two sessions. Those that register for lunch will receive a packed lunch to enjoy while fishing; those that don’t register for lunch will need to provide their food and beverages for the day.

Intro Dutch Oven Cooking & Care Instructors: Mary Kay Tokach & Doreen Yantzer

This hands-on session will get you cooking! We’ll go over various fuel sources, menus, care, seasoning and storage of your cast iron cookware. We’ll cover tips and tricks to prepare your meals so that you can play in the outdoors while your food is cooking. Plan on having breakfast during this session! Prep work will take place indoors; cooking will take place outdoors so come prepared and dressed for the weather.

Fur Handling (Session II & III) Instructor: Stephanie Tucker, ND Game & Fish Department So you’ve finally caught your first muskrat! What are you going to do with it now? Well, now you can learn how to make the most of what you catch. In this day-long activity, learn how to properly skin your catch, flesh it, stretch it and get ready to sell or ready to tan for garment use or décor. Please consider wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Critters will be provided!

Darkhouse Spearfishing (Session II & III) Instructors: Jeff Long, ND Game & Fish Department and Cody Clemenson & Al Burgard Continued from Session II. Snowshoe Lacing (Session III & V) Instructors: Jackie Jacobson and Lynda Knutsen Each "do-it-yourselfer" will receive a snowshoe kit that has Ojibway style frames made from straight-grained white ash wood and woven nylon lacing. Instructors will lead and assist you in completing the lacing pattern on a minimum of one snowshoe. Participants will work at their own pace and the end product will be snowshoes that can be used outdoors and may even become a family heirloom. This activity spans two sessions and will take place indoors.

Fur Handling (Session II & III) Instructor: Stephanie Tucker, ND Game & Fish Department Continued from Session II.

Fish Decoy Carving & Painting Instructor: Mike McEnroe Take the morning to explore your creativity and discover your carving skills by fashioning and painting a spearfishing decoy. Finished decoys can be used for real spearfishing or as decorative carving. All materials to include paints and tools will be provided. This activity will be held indoors.

Introduction to Downhill Skiing Instructor: Bottineau Winter Park Staff

Spend some time on the Turtle Mountain slopes at the Bottineau Winter Park! Participants will get equipment, approximately an hour of private lessons, a lift ticket and time on the slopes. There may be an opportunity to grab a tube to head down their tubing runs as well! If you have never been to the Bottineau Winter Park or it’s been a few years, consider checking out Annie’s House! Please come prepared and dressed to hit the slopes.

Snowshoeing Adventures Instructor: Emily Mercer This beginner course will introduce you to different types of snowshoes as well as some history behind them. Find out how to choose the right snowshoes for your needs and wants before strapping a pair on and exploring Lake Metigoshe State Park. Be on the lookout for wildlife, tracks and amazing views. It is very important to dress in layers! Be prepared for a workout! Equipment provided. Those that have snowshoes are welcome to bring their own.

Progressive Outdoor Cooking Instructors: Mark Kay Tokach & Doreen Yantzer

Advance your cooking skills to go beyond the basics of Dutch Oven Cooking. Prepare a full course meal with stacked Dutch ovens along with other novelty outdoor cooking methods such as pie irons, backpack baking, foil and box oven cooking. Don’t make dinner plans as we’ll be having supper together! This session will take place indoors as well as outdoors so please dress in layers and be prepared to go in and outdoors frequently.

Pressure Canning Instructor: Teri Raiche This introductory course will cover pressure canning basics to include preparation, handling and canner safety. Participants will prepare jars, lids, and rings as well as fill and seal jars before processing with a pressure cooker. Each participant will take home a sample. All supplies are provided. This activity will be held indoors.

All About Owls Instructor: Sandy Johnson, ND Game & Fish Department Owls are a fascinating group of birds. While they range in size and behavior, they all have one thing in common and you’ll get hands-on experience with it. Come learn about all the different types of owls in North Dakota and then let’s grab a flashlight and go owling! This activity will be mostly outdoors so please dress appropriately for the evening temperatures.

Self-Defense Instructor: Ryan Ziliak, US Customs & Border Protection Federal Officer/Part-time Renville County Deputy Have you ever been around someone where your sixth sense has told you something is not right? If you would like to learn what to do should you be attacked, please join us for this session where we’ll practice self-defense skills and discuss what you carry every day that might aid you in self-defense. Please wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to participate in this hands-on session.

Maple Snow Pops Instructor: Glenda Fauske, ND Forest Service Trees provide many “special forest products” such as nuts, fruits and sap. Join us as we make syrup from sap, cool it on some fresh snow, roll it onto popsicle sticks and enjoy it in the great outdoors. If that’s not enough to entice you, we may even have an old-fashioned taffy pull! Either way we’ll satisfy your sweet tooth! Please dress in layers as we’ll be mostly indoors, but will be stepping out from time to time.

Self-Guided Moonlit Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski or Fat Tire Bike Adventure The moon will be at approximately 66% this evening so if it is clear, there will be some ambient light for you to explore the park at dark! You’ll have assistance in fitting and obtaining gear. Afterwards, spend the majority of the time trying out gear and exploring the park and/or it’s trails on your own. Those that have their own gear are welcome to join the group without having to register specifically for this activity. For safety reasons, it is highly suggested that all take a trail map (available on-site), wear bright/reflective clothing and bring a headlamp or flashlight.

Darkhouse Spearfishing (all day until 4:30pm) Instructors: Jeff Long, ND Game & Fish Department & Cody Clemenson and Al Burgard We’ll go through needed equipment and gear, teach you how to set up for the day, spear and provide instruction on fish cleaning. Equipment is provided. Participants are required to register at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/darkhouse-spearfishing. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Please be able to provide registration number. Dress in layers. Darkhouse spearfishing is a day-long activity, spanning two sessions. Those that register for lunch will receive a packed lunch to enjoy while fishing; those that don’t register for lunch will need to provide their food and beverages for the day.

Snowshoe Lacing (Session III & V) Instructors: Jackie Jacobson and Lynda Knutsen Continued from Session III.

Bird Carving & Painting Instructor: Mike McEnroe Spend the afternoon carving and painting a wooden songbird or shorebird decoy. Finished decoys will be mounted on a wooden base and can be used for decorative purposes. All materials to include paint and tools will be provided. This activity will take place indoors.

Advanced Cross-Country Skiing Instructors: Terri Lundberg & Emily Mercer Add to your basic skills by learning different cross-country skiing techniques. Take some time to try those techniques as you go through a winter wonderland. This outing is for those that have experience cross-country skiing and are ready for a more advanced and longer adventure out on the trail system. Please dress in layers as you’ll appreciate layering up or down. Equipment is provided, but you are welcome to bring your own to join in on the fun!

Processing Wild Game Instructors: Alegra Powers, ND Game & Fish Department & Nat Bornsen Shoot it, catch it, clean it and EAT IT! We’ll be going through proper techniques and various equipment for cleaning and cooking wild game in this hands-on session. Please be prepared to try, share and sample some recipes! This session will take place indoors.

Winter Survival Instructor: Amy Schimetz, ND Parks & Recreation Department Learn how a few everyday items from your car or purse can save your life. Explore several ways to start a fire, find water, gather food and figure out cardinal directions. We’ll start fires, make shelters, tie knots and more! After this session, you’ll look at your survival kit completely different-you may even want to re-pack it! To maximize your experience, please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. The first half of this activity will be indoors; the second half will be spent outdoors, testing your survival skills!