2014 Novice Women's Duck Hunt details

At long last, we have some details about this year's hunt! Registration comes soon.

Dates: Nov. 14-16, 2014

Cost: $300 - includes lodging, some meals, instruction and one year of membership in California Waterfowl (or renewal, if you're already a member). The hunts are donated!

The Program (short version) - We prep novice duck hunters with a full day of training including shooting instruction, and lessons in waterfowl ID, calling and cleaning. The next day, we take you for morning hunts at three outstanding Upper Butte Basin duck clubs just north of the Little Dry Creek closed zone. It's a great experience, and the participants often form long-lasting friendships at this event.

Requirements: You must be 21 or older and possess the proper license and stamps/validations. While we may have some loaner gear available, each participant is responsible for bringing her own gun, waders and duck jacket (camo, ideally waterproof or water-resistant). If you are NOT licensed, don't wait until last minute - you must complete a hunter education course to get a license in California here. Click here for licensing information.

How to register: Keep an eye on this website - we'll post a registration form when registration opens. Warning: With a limit of 16 participants, the event fills up fast!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Friday, Nov. 14: We convene at the Hampton Inn in Red Bluff at 7 p.m. for introductions and conversation. Women will share rooms (two to a room). Dinner is on your own, but if you'd like to eat with some of the other ladies, meet in the hotel lobby at 5 p.m. for dinner before the main gathering.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Continental breakfast at the Hampton Inn (included), and then we convoy to Red Bank Outfitters for a day of training and camaraderie. The tentative schedule is:

- 9 a.m. - Orientation, safety, and questions, questions, questions!

- 10 a.m. - Shooting instruction with Top Shot Season 4 Champion Chris Cheng and the expert Red Bank staff.

- Noon - Lunch (provided). Chris will have copies of his new book, "Shoot to Win: Tips, Tactics, and Techniques to Help You Shoot Like a Pro" available for purchase and signing (one for $25, two for $40). Copies can be pre-purchased with registration as well.

- 1 p.m. - Waterfowl ID taught by the Guy Who Should Know - Mike Carion, chief of enforcement for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (and an avid lifelong duck hunter).

- 2 p.m. - Duck calling lessons (instructor TBA). You'll walk away with some calls you can use immediately - not much practice required!

- 3 p.m. - Cleaning your duck, with beak-to-feet eating advocate (and event co-hostess) Holly Heyser, who will have autographed copies of her and her significant other's cookbook, "Duck Duck Goose: Recipes and Techniques for Cooking Ducks and Geese, Both Wild and Domesticated," available for $20 for pre-purchase or sale on-site (cash only).

- 4 p.m. - Departure - convoy to the Gridley Inn. Accommodations included; women will share rooms (two to a room).

- 7 p.m. - Dinner on your own at one of several restaurants within walking distance of the Inn.

Sunday, Nov. 15:

4 a.m. - Wake up, grab coffee, convoy to the Upper Butte Basin duck clubs (a 20 minute drive), and start hunting!

11 a.m. - Return to clubhouse for lunch, beverages and conversation. If you want to keep hunting waterfowl after this weekend but aren't sure how to go about it on your own, we'll have those conversations here.

We hope to see you soon!