It is not too early to think about enrolling your child in summer camp and what could be better than a week in the woods of beautiful Beavers Bend State Park? The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry will host its 53rd annual Oklahoma Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp June 8-13, 2009.

"One of the longest running summer camps in Oklahoma is gearing up for another action-filled summer camp experience," said Christina Stallings Roberson, educational coordinator for Oklahoma Forestry Services regarding the youth camp. "It's a great opportunity to get kids in the woods to learn about forestry and wildlife as part of an exciting outdoor adventure!"

The camp is for boys and girls aged 13 to 15 years old that want to learn more about forestry, wildlife and conservation and that enjoy learning in the outdoors. As one of Oklahoma's premier summer camps, students attend from across the state — many following the tradition of their parents and grandparents who are camp alumni. Field trips, Native American crafts, educational sessions and recreation programs are the heart of the weeklong camp.

Older youth, ages 18 to 22, can also participate in the weeklong learning experience as camp counselors. Applicants should be mature, responsible young adults with an interest in outdoor careers such as forestry or wildlife, or in education, and have the ability to guide younger youth throughout the camp. Volunteer adult leaders also are needed.

Camper, counselor and adult applications will be accepted until May 1, 2009 and can be obtained by logging on to www.forestry.ok.gov or by calling (405) 522-6158. The fee for campers is $175, which covers all costs including meals, transportation at camp, field trips, and workshops. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

Only 40 campers will be accepted, and applications must be accompanied by a letter of reference from a teacher, counselor, principal, or club leader that has personal knowledge of the camper's interest and conduct.

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Predator Hunting on the Manitoba Prairie
As a young lad growing up in any rural area can tell you, predators are a part of life, whether you like it or not. I was introduced to a form of predator control at an early age, my father always used to run a small trap line, nothing special, just a bunch of snares and a few foot traps set out on only the most popularly used predator trails. My old man was always on the lookout for a new spot to set up traps and was usually right on the money when he returned to see if his hunch was correct. His personal best was 8 coyotes and one red fox, which he managed to collect during a 2 - day period about 20 years ago, it seems the tradition is bred into our heritage. This is the story of how my brothers and I tied my dad's personal best.