The Department of Fish and Game (DFG), partnering with Wilderness Unlimited, has opened registration for the Big Game Hunting Clinic May 20 and 21 in Williams. Instructors have designed the workshop to help all level of hunters, from novice to experienced, in the pursuit of California's big game. Space is limited and the deadline for registration is May 5. The clinic offers hands-on teaching by experts from the field, and will be held on Wilderness Unlimited property in Colusa County. It will focus primarily on deer hunting but include information about other big game species as well. The clinic includes four sessions each participant will attend, two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Cost for the clinic is $60. Session I explores everything hunters need to prepare for the hunt. Topics include deer habits and habitat, preseason scouting, navigation and hunting regulations. Instructors will discuss the basic hunting gear necessary for a successful trip, as well as talk about survival gear and first aid requirements. Session II covers firearms, bows, and the necessary marksmanship for success. Instructors will familiarize participants on the types of rifles, shotguns and pistols that are best in the field. They will also talk about the use of archery equipment and the latest in muzzleloaders. Participants will learn techniques to sight-in their firearms properly, and the clinic offers range time for live fire. Session III covers the best strategies to hunt big game. The session examines deer senses, scrapes, rubs and animal trails. It also dissects the different styles of hunting, such as still hunting, stalking, stands and blinds. Additionally, instructors will diagram both where to aim to insure the best shot with the least spoilage of meat, and offer advice in shoot/don't shoot scenarios. Session IV involves how to find the animal after the shot is taken. Instructors will teach how to follow blood trails, tagging the animal, field dressing, butchering and cooking. Participants will hear how to prepare their animal for taxidermy. Instructors will also discuss techniques in photography of big game. Accommodations are campsites at Wilderness Unlimited's recreational vehicle park or motels in the area. Participants are responsible for their own food and meals, except for a DFG-sponsored barbeque on Saturday evening. Hunting equipment manufacturers have provided items to raffle off during the clinic. Registration is available on DFG's website at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntclinics. Registration forms and brochures by mail may also be requested by calling (530) 347-3980.