The school year is winding down, and summer is just around the corner.

With all that free time, what’s a kid to do to keep from being bored?

Here in Northern California, we have some exciting programs available for kids to spend time fishing and hunting while learning how to be better hunters, anglers, and overall outdoorsmen.

The Kids Outdoor Sports Camp offers several five-day programs at the Red Bank Ale & Quail ranch near Red Bluff.

Kids 10 to 15 years old can gain fishing, hunting, and survival skills while learning about wildlife and outdoor ethics.

The “Beginning Camp” program includes a certified hunter education course.

The cost of these programs is $600 to $700, which includes lodging and meals. Visit www.mykosc.org for more information.

California Waterfowl Association also offers a variety of youth camps this summer.

Available for kids 10-16 years of age, the camps run for two to five days depending on the particular program.

Activities include hunting, fishing, shooting, duck banding, and other outdoor skills development. A hunter education certificate can also be earned at many of the camps. Cost ranges between $100 and $250.

CWA’s Web site has all the details: www.calwaterfowl.org/web2/hunting/clinicsandcamps.

Quail Unlimited has a five-day program focused specifically on hunting skills.

Kids will learn everything from shooting and gun safety to game care and basic cooking. They will get to participate in wildlife conservation and a demonstration on how to train a hunting pup. Successful campers will receive their hunter’s education certificate. The cost for this camp is $400.

Download an application at www.qu.org/content/youth/summer_camps.cfm.

These organizations are members of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance, a political advocacy organization that promotes wildlife conservation and is dedicated solely to the preservation of our outdoor heritage.

During these troubling times when we so often see our outdoor pursuits under attack, it’s great to know we have organizations like COHA to take up the fight for us!

DFG to hold clinic on hunting wild boar

The Department of Fish and Game will hold a wild pig hunting clinic at the Valley of the Moon Gun Club in Sonoma on June 6.

The clinic is offered through DFG’s Advanced Hunter Education Program in partnership with the Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association.

The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will cover the biology of wild pigs, the elements of a successful wild pig hunt, locating techniques and various methods of take.

Participants will also learn how to properly handle the game.

Cost is $40 for the clinic.

Students 16 years and younger may attend free, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A barbecue lunch will be available for an additional $10 donation.

Registration forms are available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced.

Registered participants will receive an e-mail with a map to the facility, a workshop agenda and a list of items to bring to the clinic.

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdcocpa.com). Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.