Classes, Seminars and Activities
The days at camp are action packed, filled with learning and memory making. Each attendee will attend approximately 10 classes during their time at camp, with typically 20 or more classes to choose from. We do our best to accommodate the top choices of each attendee. Please note that classes may vary from Ladies to Youth Camps and by location. Below are some of the classes typically offered.
We offer daily seminars where all attendees learn and experience the same subject matter together.
In addition to instructor led sessions, we offer a variety of optional activities to join at your leisure.
P.C. Brian Baxter
Rifle Classes
Whether you have never shot a rifle or are experienced and want to bring your own rifle, we offer a class for you. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Classes are all offered and every attendee gets to participate. We include shooting from a bench rest, off-bench shooting positions up to shooting scenarios in our Advanced Class.
Pistol Classes
Our pistol classes are offered for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced participants. From little to no experience to bringing your own firearm and focusing on proficiency, speed and accuracy, we have a class to meet your skill and comfort level. Our instructors focus building both your skill and comfort simultaneously and ensure you are ready to progress.
Shotgun Class
In the Shotgun class you will have the opportunity to learn about Shotguns, go over safety and shoot Clay Pigeons. Shooters shoot both 12 and 20 gauge semi-auto Weatherby Shotguns. Weatherby is one of our incredibly generous sponsors of Yow’s Hunting Camps.
Muzzleloader Class
If you are looking to add another opportunity to learn something new and possibly enhance your chances to draw a tag, this class is for you. This is a hands on class that includes preparing and loading your shots, shooting and the mechanics of the firearm. Never heard of a muzzleloader? No problem, we’ve got you covered. Muzzleloaders are different than modern firearms since the bullet and black powder are loaded through the muzzle of the gun barrel.
Archery Classes
Similar to our firearm classes, the Archery classes are offered for all skill levels including Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. We have a variety of levels of bows that you will be shooting from beginner to professional hunting bows for all levels of experience, or you can bring your own bow. Our course is well-equipped with 3D targets and bag targets to offer a variety of shooting experiences.
Firearm Familiarization & Safe Handling
This course is designed for those who have never shot a firearm, are not comfortable around guns, or last shot a gun over a decade ago. If you’d like to overcome discomfort, remediate fears, dismantle fallacies, and gain self-confidence, this class is for you.
Firearm Cleaning
Whether you want to learn about firearm cleaning in general or practice on your own firearm, this class is for you. You’ll learn about different cleaning methods, products, etc. and how to breakdown your gun properly for cleaning.
Predator Hunting
Predator hunting is an effective tool used in wildlife management to boost populations of prey species, protect livestock, and maintain predator populations at a healthy carrying capacity. This class will provide a basic understanding of hunting predators in general with a primary focus on black bears, including researching, scouting, hunting methods, and safety.
Blacktail Deer Hunting
Learn about where and how the Columbian Blacktail deer lives. This class dives into deer activity, scouting, and strategies/tactics to hunt these “grey ghosts” of the Pacific Northwest. This species is different, and you will hunt differently to be successful.
Predator Calling
This class covers the basic of predator hunting by using calls. You’ll learn about stand locations, call types, call sequences, decoys, proper field prepping of hides and safety considerations. Class attendees each receive a new call to practice with and keep.
Turkey Hunting
The Turkey Hunting class covers everything you need to know about wild turkeys, their behavior, and planning for and executing a successful hunt. You learn the basics of wild turkeys, gear need for hunting, calls, and all aspects of the hunt.
Safety in the Backcountry
While Oregon is undoubtedly one of the most scenic states in the nation, it is also one of the most deadly when it comes to getting lost in the woods. This class covers the key elements needed to be prepared to get yourself or others you come across in potentially life threatening situations. Take your survival & safety skills to the next level.
Backcountry Essentials
There are many options for what to bring with you on a 3–5-day backpack hunt. This class covers the essential items that every hunter should carry with them to ensure they can stand the elements, stay mostly comfortable and most importantly stay alive if things get really sideways. Additionally, this class will cover the full range of what the instructor carries, essential, personal preference and guilty pleasures as well as some ideas for meal prep and organization.
Orienteering
While modern day technology is amazing, what happens when your battery goes dead or your app quits? In this class you will learn the wisdom of the compass. An absolute MUST for hunters of all ages and stages. We will cover the basic use of the traditional compass. Orienteering with a compass, involves hiking a compass course through mild terrain.
Scouting & Tracking
You have drawn a hunting tag, now what? This class is for you once you have a tag and want to learn the area, study and pattern your animal, learn water, cover, & study when and where the animals are going. This class includes what to do once on the hunt, retrieving an animal, tracking, etc. including lots of optic use, shot placement study and more. Fun, interactive, and very important if you are new to hunting.
Elk Calling & Simulation
Elk Calling Class is for those hunters wanting to learn Archery Elk Hunting. This class will teach techniques and help you learn to call with a mouth reed, and how to use a bugle tube, to simulate the sounds that elk make. You will learn elk habits and how to use those to help your success rates while hunting. This class is generously sponsored by Phelps Game Calls.
Knife Sharpening in the Field
A sharp knife is essential for every hunter, yet few receive proper instruction in knife maintenance. In this class, you’ll discover the characteristics of quality hunting knives and master the fundamentals of achieving and maintaining a razor-sharp edge, even in the field. These core sharpening skills will serve you well with any blade you own.
Arrow Building Basics
Building a hunting arrow that flies true is fundamental to achieving an ethical, humane harvest. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll complete the process of building a reliable hunting arrow, exploring shaft selection, component matching, and weight distribution. Each participant will construct an arrow with easy-to-use techniques.
Ground Blinds & Tree Stands
This class will lead you to successfully set up a ground blind and how to safely use a tree stand. This is a total hands-on class and even if you never plan on using this type of equipment, everyone should know what they can potentially see out while hunting to avoid crossing another hunter’s spot. It’s all about knowledge and safety!
Trailer Handling Class
In this class you learn all about safe Trailer Handling skills. Even if you have zero trailering experience, this class walks you through everything you need to know. From pre-trip inspection, navigating turns or backing up, this class provides tips and tricks to make this scary chore easier and help you build your confidence. Truck and trailer are provided by camp and you’ll practice all aspects, hands on.
Field Prep to Mount Care
This class teaches you how to properly process your hide at harvest to be preserved for a mount. You will learn skills for picking a taxidermist, selecting a mount type and then how to properly care for the mount once complete.
Camp & Kitchen Set-up
In this class you will be setting up a Bravo Wall Tent from start to finish. You’ll learn about choosing a site, laying out your canvas and frame, staking the tent and guy ropes, wood stove and window placement and safety considerations. This class will teach you everything from start to finish, including how to best your space for the kitchen and sleeping area.
Additional Classes Offered:
- Conceal Carry License Test
- Heat & Eat Camp Food – Meal Prepping Before Camp
- How to Plan Your Hunt – Using OnX and Other Online Programs
- Trail Cameras & Hunting
- Trapping 101
Processing Meat from Big Game Demo
Once you have harvested an animal how do you process it so the meat is ready to cook? This demo will help you learn the different cuts of meat, where they come from and how to use them. We will take some of the meat from our skinning demo and show you how to break it down, cut it and wrap it to freeze, as well as grind. Field To Table. If you have never helped process an animal, this is your opportunity to get hands on. Thanks to our friends at Montana Knife Company for supplying the knives for this demo.
Skinning & Quick Quartering
Have you ever wondered what to do once you have shot the animal? This Demonstration will not only show you the basics of skinning and quick quartering large game, but you will be able to participate in the process. This is a step-by-step process of skinning the animal, quartering it into 4 quarters by removing the meat from the carcass. We will then show you how to either hang up or get it packed out. Montana knives is the sponsor and all of you ladies will get a turn with a knife that want to. We will also put a quarter of the animal in a pack for you to feel the weight. A truly special class for anyone wanting to learn to hunt.
OnX Hunt Demo
Even if you have never heard of or used the OnX Hunt App, you will learn something from this demonstration. Learn about the features of the app, when and how to best use it and how to leverage this tool when in the woods, hunting or hiking.
Saturday Evening Fashion Show
Campers, volunteers and instructors alike join in the fun by modeling their favorite brand of Outdoor apparel, along with Conceal Carry options. From hunting gear to athletic wear and ladies specific bino harnesses, it’s all welcome and encouraged. If you have something you really like, please bring it so we can all learn of the great options out there. This gives you an opportunity to see what others are using, why they like it and experience products first hand. Be ready for a great time and lots of laughter.
Morning Hike
For those who want to start the day off with a beautiful morning hike we have that. Brooke will meet everyone at 6 AM for a roughly 45 minute hike to the top of the property where you have views for Ft. Rock as the sun is coming up. This hike begins mostly flat then the climb begins. We hike up the road then we cut cross county on a game trail back down to the barn just in time for breakfast. Hiking boots are recommended but tennis shoes work well too, you will just have dirty socks by the time you get back. Bring your packs if you want a little extra challenge as we head to the top. We leave no one behind so no matter what your speed or fitness level we would love to have you join us. It is a great way to get to know other campers and get your blood pumping for the day. Optional activity.
Morning Bible Study
This takes place right before breakfast, about 6:15-6:40 This is for you ladies that want to start your morning off with the Word. Each lady can bring a verse, a story, a thought, or something that helps them in the morning to keep their mind on God and His will throughout the day. This option experience is insightful, fun and we love seeing other ladies and how they start their morning in God’s Word. Optional activity.
Campfire Stories
While we can’t have a campfire during camp, we still take advantage of the fire ring, togetherness and story telling. This is an optional event each evening that involves hunting stories, some tall tales, testimonials, and wonderful memories. Be ready for some laughs, some tears and being surrounded by wonderful people.