In the Weeds: July 2008

"In the Weeds" takes a closer look at the projects, events and happenings of the over 700 PF/QF chapters and 129,000 PF/QF members across the country.

T.U.N.E. (The Ultimate Nature Experience)

By Stephan Terry, T.U.N.E. attendee

In the Weeds: July 2008 I've always loved the outdoors. Most of my knowledge of the outdoors comes from the many experiences I've had with my brother and the outdoor books and magazines I have read. My grandfather had many outdoor skills and knew a lot about nature and wildlife; unfortunately, he died before I was born and I've always wished he could have been around to spend time with me outdoors.

This past spring I heard of the opportunity of attending the first T.U.N.E nature camp in northern Minnesota sponsored by Pheasants Forever and Trout Unlimited. The camp was one of the best experiences I've ever had for several reasons: I was introduced to activities I had never done before and I learned more about nature in those few days than I had my entire life. The camp was beautiful - located in the middle of the woods on Grindstone Lake. At the camp we were constantly busy doing outdoor activities or watching guest speaker presentations. Expert fly anglers donated their time and materials to show us how to tie our own flies. On our field day we took a trip to the Kettle River and learned to fly fish from a few Trout Unlimited members - we even caught some fish!

In the Weeds: July 2008 At camp we also drove out to a gun club to shoot trap and learn the basics of training a hunting dog. I loved this because I had never shot clay pigeons before and I really appreciated that volunteers let me use their guns and gave their weekend time to show me how to shoot trap. Throughout the camp we learned about conservation and land ethics by studying Aldo Leopold. A few weeks later my family went to visit the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center and Leopold's Shack in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

In the Weeds: July 2008 Ever since camp I've been practicing my fly-casting and I know that I will continue the sport for many years. The camp was perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to learn more, while spending time with kids of the same interest. After attending the camp I have a much greater appreciation for nature and a broader range of outdoor skills. I'm very happy with the things I learned and very grateful for the volunteers who shared their vast knowledge. It makes me want to learn more and share my knowledge with others. This camp has made me realize the value of outdoor education and how knowledge can spread from one person to so many others!

This year's conservation camp was made possible by a terrific group of volunteer leaders and instructors, under the leadership of Janine Kohn, PF/QF National Education Specialist and a member of the MN Lady Slipper Chapter of PF and a Twin Cities Chapter of Trout Unlimited board member. In addition, huge thanks goes out to the six MN PF chapters, TCTU and private donors that sponsored registrations for our campers, as well as corporate sponsors: Gander Mountain, LL Bean, Thunderbird Marketing and Custom Art Designs for their donations. For more information on T.U.N.E. contact Janine Kohn at jkohn@pheasantsforever.org.

If you have story ideas, dog photos, pre-1980 hunting photos and requests for future On The Wing consideration, please send correspondence to ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.

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