Ice Fishing Field Trip

Cole's third grade class had a field trip .  I took Friday off, to I tag along and learn a lot. There are only 7 kids in the class, but the Northwoods Stewardship Center donated a full size bus. I was the only parent chaperoning, so it was a nice chance to get to know Mrs. Tester a little better.

First stop was the Northwoods Stewardship Center. It's kind of a long bumpy ride on the school bus, so the first thing our guide, Maria Young, had the kids do was play a couple of games outside and run around a bit. 

When all the wiggles were out, it was inside to do some learning.

The kids learned about wildlife preservation and more specifically learned a lot about salmon. I never knew that salmon find their way all the way to Greenland to spawn before returning to their home waters.

There were also many questions about this giant moose. He was not a native Vermonter. He was shipped in from Alaska. Or rather, his head was.

Bear scat...

Casting of a bear print

Eagle talon

Next, Maria met us in Island Pond for some ice fishing. We learned how to set up this contraption called a tip-up.

Each kid had a turn drilling a hole in the 16 inches of ice with this auger.

The pond was very busy with ice fishermen and speeding snow machines.

Before we started, Marie said that she had never caught a fish  with a group of school kids.  Today was a lucky day. This group caught 4 perch.

Taking a break to roast some marshmallows over the open fire.

They also showed us how to fish with this short pole called a jigger.  

One of the most exciting moments of the day, according to Cole:

A group picture before we board the bus to return home. Mrs. Tester is on the left in a dark hat and sunglasses. Maria Young is in the middle with sunglasses. Sadly, I do not remember the names of the 3 guys in the back, but they were very nice, helpful, and patient with the silliness of these 7 third graders.