Now is a great time to learn or brush up on shotgun shooting skills before bird hunting opens in September.

ODFW will host several shotgun skills workshops in Gervais, Portland and near Corvallis during July and August. The cost is $12 per participant, which is due when registering. Workshops are family-friendly with all ages welcome, though anyone under age 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult and youth participants need to be able to handle a shotgun. Register online at https://or.outdoorcentral.us/or/license or at a license sales agent.

Taking one of these shotgun skills classes is required to sign up for ODFW’s popular fall pheasant hunting workshops for adults and families. (Pheasant hunts will happen Sept. 8 and 9 at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and Sept. 15 and 16 at EE Wilson Wildlife Area this year.) Getting the shotgun skills done before the actual hunt gives participants more time to hunt with trained bird hunting dogs in the morning, before weather gets too warm for dogs.

ODFW provides shotguns and shells at these events. Shooting coaches will work with participants individually to improve their skills, no matter their skill level. Water will be provided, but participants need to bring their own lunch.

The classes are scheduled for:
July 21, near Corvallis (EE Wilson Wildlife Area), 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Register by July 16.
July 28, Gervais (Mid-Valley Clays), 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Register by July 23.
Aug. 11, Portland (Portland Gun Club), 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Register by Aug. 10. 
Aug. 18 in Gervais (Mid-Valley Clays), 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Register by Aug. 13.
Aug. 25, near Corvallis (EE Wilson Wildlife Area), 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Register by Aug. 20.

ODFW offers a variety of workshops teaching people how to hunt, fish, crab and clam. See the full list of upcoming events at https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events