Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 26, 1993 TAG: 9307290465
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Bill Cochran
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
2 Now is a fine time to take a hunter-education course sponsored by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. You have to pass the course to purchase a hunting license if you are 12 to 15 years of age or if you are 16 and older and never have been issued a hunting license. If you are heading west for big game, chances are you'll need proof you've completed hunter-education. It is a good idea to take the training even if you aren't required to by law.
At least three are scheduled this month in the Roanoke area: Aug. 2, Ogden Recreation Center, 772-7505; Aug. 3, Norwich Recreation Center, 981-2846; and Aug. 18, Roanoke Elks Lodge, 857-7704. The courses run 7 to 9 p.m. for four nights.
Other courses are scheduled across the state. You can get details by calling the nearest game department office: Forest, 804-525-7522; Marion, 703-783-6115; and Staunton, 703-332-9210.
\ Barking up the right tree
6 If you like coon hound competition or just enjoy the sound of hound music, the place to be is the United Eastern Virginia Coon Hunters Association hunt to benefit the Children's Hospital. The Aug. 6-7 event will be held at the Arrowhead Gun Club between Victoria and Chase City.
This is the eighth hunt to benefit the hospital. Past events have raised more than $74,000 to help meet the medical expenses of children.
This year's hunt will feature a bench show, night hunt and auction. Call Doug Garnett, 804-454-6126, for more information.
\ Classic act for BASS
12 Only one Virginian - Woo Daves - will be in the 1993 BASS Masters Classic, but others will want to be as close as possible when many of the best fishermen in the country compete Aug 12-14 at Birmingham, Ala.
The weigh-in each day at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Coliseum is 2:45 p.m. Get there early the final day if you want a seat, because a preweigh-in show begins 2 p.m.
Along with the Classic is a three-day outdoor show, which will feature the latest in tackle and boats. If you can't go, there's a delayed telecast on TNN Sept. 26.
\ Bassett man has big bucks
20 Last year, Mike Weaver of Bassett went to the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show in Richmond as a visitor. This year he'll be there as an expert, along with people like Will Primos, Alan Altizer and William Knight.
What made the difference for Weaver? The Virginia Deer Hunters Association, sponsor of the show, found out he has the finest collection of Pope and Young trophy deer in the state.
The event is Aug. 20-22 at The Showplace and will feature the Virginia Deer Classic, which judges deer mounts from the past season. Be aware, Weaver has some new bucks to enter. For additional information, call Hugh Crittenden, 804-748-7529 or Denny Quaiff, 804-743-1290.
\ Where to spend all the money?
25 Anglers on the Chesapeake Bay have had to buy a saltwater fishing license for the first time this season. Where does all the money go?
It is the task of the Virginia Recreational Fishing Advisory Board to decide, but it wants help. So the board has scheduled seven meetings across the state, one of them in the west. It is set for 7 p.m., Aug. 25 at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke.
Suggestions made thus far include using the funds for artificial reefs, fish passages and fishing access.
\ Time to set duck season
28 Thoughts of spending a winter day in a duck blind may seem far away in the heat of August, but now is the time to set waterfowl regulations. That process will take place during a public hearing in Virginia Beach, 9 a.m. at the Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center Aug. 28. Look for a long meeting, because swan hunting will be an issue. O Written comments will be
accepted at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, P.O. Box 11104, Richmond 23230-1104. Address them to Bob Duncan, the game division chief.
by CNB