Packing workshops open to women

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is sponsoring a horse-packing workshop May 4 near Columbia Falls.

Participants will learn about the variety of packing equipment available; defensive horse handling; how to pack a decker, sawbuck and riding saddles; and leave-no-trace camping.

This class is for beginners who want to learn the basics skills needed to pack with their own stock. The workshop will be held at an indoor arena and lunch will be provided. The $35 fee includes lunch and the use of all equipment and packing stock; participants don’t need to bring their horse or mule.

The workshop is co-hosted by the Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead and Trailhead Supply.

To register, or for more information, write to FWP-BOW, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620; call 406-444-9940; or email Liz Lodman at: llodman@mt.gov.

You can also call instructor Andy Breland, 406-261-1109. Registration forms are available at the Region One Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or on the website fwp.mt.gov.

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP

Women are invited to join a mountain biking workshop June 28-29 near Whitefish.

The workshop is part of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program.

Participants will learn simple maintenance, trail safety and etiquette, and enjoy plenty of riding time with instructors. The class is based at the Whitefish Bike Retreat near Whitefish with an optional overnight stay.

The workshop is co-hosted by the Whitefish Bike Retreat.

To register, or for more information, write to FWP-BOW, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620; call 406-444-9940; or email Liz Lodman at: llodman@mt.gov.

You may also call instructor Sheli Thomas, 406-250-4211. Registration forms are available at the Region One Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or on the website fwp.mt.gov; click “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” under the Education tab.