Nicolet College courses this semester are diverse, challenging

Nicolet College’s Outdoor Adventure program is set to launch a full slate of offerings this fall to give people new outdoor experiences, the chance to learn new skills, and the opportunity to meet others with similar interests.

“It’s an exciting collection of classes with several new instructors coming forward with new ideas and long-time instructors offering tried and true favorites,” said Terry Rutlin, Nicolet Outdoor Adventure coordinator.

While the classes are diverse, ranging from hunting Lake Superior Agates to canoeing the Wisconsin River to cooking wild game, a thread that binds them all together is the passion each instructor brings to the table.

“It really is contagious,” Rutlin said. “The enthusiasm they have to share their knowledge is inspiring and makes you just want to learn more.”

And while many sign up as couples or with friends, “I’d say roughly a half attend as individuals. All the way around it’s a great way for people who share a common interest to get together to do something they really enjoy.”

The complete list of fall offerings is below. For more details and to register, visit nicoletoa.tix.com or call the college at (715) 365-4544 or 1-800-544-3039, ext. 4544.

On the Hunt for Lake Superior Agates – Everything agates will be the topic of the day for this class which will include ample opportunity to search for highly-prized Lake Superior Agates. We’ll start with a breakfast presentation on agate geology, what to look for to identify an agate amidst hundreds of other rocks, and also information on the best places to find agates in the Lake Superior region. After breakfast we’ll head to a local quarry where there’s a high probability everyone will find at least one agate. The day will end along Lake Superior with beach-combing tips and tricks. Instructor Glen Bayless. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21. Meet at Perkins Restaurant103 E. Second St., Superior, Wis. $35 (Does not include breakfast).

 The Wisconsin River Experience – Add some quality outdoor time to your visit to the Project North Music, Art, and Sustainability Festival by joining us on this guided paddle down a scenic section of the Wisconsin River just north of Rhinelander. Once a veritable highway for Native Americans, fur traders, and lumberjacks traveling up and down the river, the water flows quieter now. Look up to see a bald eagle. Check the bank for playful otters who call the river home. Maybe a whitetail deer will come down for a drink. The river is rich with life. Guides Terry Rutlin and Can Clausen. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27. Meet at McNaughton Bridge. A shuttle back to your car will be provided. $35. $55 with canoe or kayak rental.

Introduction to Fall Photography – The splendor of Fall in the Northwoods will come into sharp focus in this class designed for beginning outdoor photographers looking to take their skills to the next level. The morning will start with about an hour in the classroom and then we’ll head outside to photograph a number of locations on Nicolet’s scenic Lake Julia Campus. Ample one-on-one instruction will be available. 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 12, Nicolet College Campus – Red Oak Center – Fireside Room. $30.

Homesteading: Speedy Applesauce Canning – Preserving the bounty of the fall harvest is a long-standing tradition in homesteading households. One way generations have accomplished this is through the classic art of canning. Learn about all of steps, equipment and techniques necessary in this class where we will use the water bath canning method to preserve jars of applesauce to take home. Students will need to bring the apples, 30 pounds max.. We’ll supply all of the equipment and jars. Note that this canning technique can be applied to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Instructor Mike Haasl. 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 5. Nicolet Culinary Arts Kitchen – Northwoods Center. $35

Wild Game Cooking – Savor in the delights of learning exquisite wild game cooking techniques from two gentleman who excel in this culinary arena almost as much as they do out hunting in the field. See what it takes to make outstanding dishes with everything from grouse to dove and pheasant to venison. Duck tacos anyone? How about grilled dove in remoulade? Maybe bacon-wrapped marinated venison backstrap is more your taste? If you are looking to up your culinary game, this class is for you! Instructors Todd Berg and Joe Hein. Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7. Nicolet College Campus – Culinary Arts Kitchen, Northwoods Center. $40 – includes food tasting.

How to Find and Hunt Ruffed Grouse – As one of the most challenging game birds to hunt in the Northwoods, you can stack the odds in your favor with the field-tested tips and techniques presented in this two-hour session. Topics will cover the best places to find grouse, what to look for in grouse habitat, hunting with and without a dog, and staying safe in the woods. Gun handling; gun, shot, and choke selection; and shooting techniques will also be covered as we prepare to hunt these birds that can literally go from 0 to 25 mph in the blink of an eye. Instructors Scott Biscobing and Terry Rutlin. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7. Nicolet College – Fieldside Center 106. $20

Fishing from a Pedal Kayak – Fishing from a kayak offers a degree of quiet stealth other boats can’t match. Now rig that kayak specifically for fishing and make it pedal powered to free up your hands and you have all the makings for loads of piscatorial entertainment. Fish-rich Brandy Lake in Arbor Vitae will be our destination to learn the finer points of maneuvering a pedal kayak and modern rigging. Price includes use of a pedal kayak. Students will need to provide their own fishing gear. Instructor Tim Lindquist. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Brandy Lake Boat Landing, Arbor Vitae. $30.

Primitive Fire Starting – By learning the ancient bushcraft skill of primitive fire starting, you’ll be able to quickly and effectively make a fire in any weather conditions. We’ll cover various materials for preparing the best tinder and the proper technique and equipment used for ferrocerium rod flint and steel fire starting. Everyone will receive a ferrocerium rod flint with striker to keep. Instructor Andrew Warner. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Nicolet College Campus – The Point – Meet at the Red Oak Center Entrance. $30.

 Fly Tying – Fish caught with flies you’ve tied yourself are in a category all their own. Learn all the skills necessary in this introductory class that will cover all of the equipment, materials, and techniques needed to tie your own flies. Materials and most tools will be provided. You’ll tie at least four different, common kinds of flies, each using different tying techniques. This eight-hour course is spread over two four-hour days. Instructor Robert Paine. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, October 13 and 20. The Gentleperson’s Sport Workshop, Tomahawk. $55 includes both sessions.