Area outdoors calendar

THIS WEEK
MAY 10: Family Fishing – 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 and older at Burr Oak Woods educational pond in Blue Springs. Learn the basics of fishing, provide equipment and worms, then your family can try their luck. Attendees ages 16 to 64 must have a valid fishing license, which are available at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Call 816-228-3766 to register.
MAY 10: International Migratory Bird Day – 8:30-11 a.m. for families with children ages 9 and older at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area in Blue Springs. Enjoy a presentation on migratory birds that journey incredible distances every year. Learn tips on identifying some of these birds for the first time or refresh your memory before heading out on the trail in search of Louisiana Waterthrushes, Yellow-throated Vireos, Redstarts and many more. Dress for going outside. Bring binoculars if you have them. Call 816-228-3766 to register.
MAY 10: Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education Class – 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Bass Pro Shops in Independence. Mike Mansell is the instructor. Students 15 and younger must bring proof of age. Pre-register by calling 816-655-6250.
MAY 10: Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education Class – 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lee’s Summit Police Department (Douglas and Tudor roads). Dan Jones is the instructor. Students 15 and younger must bring proof of age. Go to north side of building to “Bail Bonding” door and ring buzzer to enter. Pre-register by calling 816-655-6250. For more information on hunter education classes in Missouri, visit the Web site (http://mdc.mo.gov/hunt/huntered/).
MAY 11: Missouri’s Outdoor Women: GPS: Go For the Green – 1:30-3 p.m. for women ages 14 and older at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area in Blue Springs. Women can learn how to use a GPS navigation system. Dress for going outside and hiking on smooth trails. Call 816-228-3766 to register.
MAY 12: Thank Goodness It’s Monday Buddy Bass Tournament – 6 p.m. for adults at Lake Jacomo each Monday. Check-in is at the north marina parking lot. Boats must be checked in no later than 5:50 p.m. and take-off is at 6 p.m.. Entry fee is $30 per boat and includes the big bass pot. Call Bob Pigue at 816-525-5506 or 816-525-0821 for more information.
MAY 12: Groundhog Hunting Season Opens – The groundhog hunting season opens in Missouri and runs through Dec. 15. There is no limit. For regulations, see the Missouri Wildlife Code online at www.mdc.mo.gov/seasons/.

COMING UP
MAY 20, 21 & 22: Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education Class – 6-9:30 p.m. each day at George Owens Nature Center in Independence. Dan Laitner is the instructor. Pre-register by calling 816-325-7370. Students must attend all three sessions to qualify. Students 15 and younger must bring proof of age.
MAY 24: Squirrel Hunting Season Opens – The squirrel hunting season opens in Missouri and runs through Feb. 15, 2009. There is no limit. For regulations, see the Missouri Wildlife Code online at www.mdc.mo.gov/seasons/.
MAY 31: Family Fishing – 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 and older at Burr Oak Woods educational pond in Blue Springs. Learn the basics of fishing, provide equipment and worms, then your family can try their luck. Attendees ages 16 to 64 must have a valid fishing license, which are available at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

ONGOING
RAYTOWN BASS CLUB: Local fishing club is seeking new members. For more information, call Dennis Mitchell at 913-787-5810 or visit the www.raytownbassclub.com Web site.
BURR OAKS FEEDING TIME – 3 p.m. on Sundays and Wednesdays at the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area in Blue Springs. Help feed the animals on display at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. No registration is required. Please call 816-228-3766 for more information.
LAKE CITY SHOOTING HOURS: Hours for public shooting are Wednesday through Sunday at Lake City Range and Training Center near Blue Springs. Shooters are required to provide own eye and ear protection. Booth fees are $3 per hour. 229-4448.
MISSOURI BOW HUNTERS ASSOCIATION: Organization dedicated to bow hunting, bow fishing and archery in the area and the state. For more information on the organization and how to join, call or write Dave Williams 816-578-4966, 69 V Street, Lake Lotawana, Mo. 64086) or Jeff Burnett (816-690-8105, 816 SE 19th Street, Oak Grove, Mo. 64075).
MISSOURI DEER HUNTERS CLUB: For more information on the organization and how to join, call 636-285-0893; write to P.O. Box 441, Dittmer, Mo. 63023; send e-mail to: deerhunt@brick.net; or visit the Web site at: ww.modeerhunter.com.