FREE SEMINAR: “SHARING THE OCHOCOS” sponsored by the 40Something Cowgirls, Prineville, Oregon Chapter, on the mutual sharing of the Ochoco Mountains by all who participate in recreational activities in that area; interacting with the various wildlife of the area; what you can and cannot do in our wilderness area (also a herd management area for the Ochoco Band of Wild Horses) without destroying it; and one of the main purposes of the seminar.. how to deal with predators while pursuing your recreational activities and sports in a wilderness area. In particular we are referring to cougars, bear and coyotes, which are attracted by human activity or possibly a free meal, or to the animals humans bring with them. Would you know what to do if you chanced an unexpected or unwanted encounter with a wild animal? How about a cougar trying to attack you or your dog or your accidentally coming between a mama bear and her young? There is an estimated 6400 cougars in the state of Oregon.. most of which you will never see or even suspect being around..until it is too late..and when you do, it could be trouble. Horses are particularly subject to their attention. If you have been watching the news, you will know that sightings and attacks have increased in both rural and urban areas the past few years, and sadly even a fatality on Mt. Hood last year when a hiker was confirmed killed by a cougar. Hikers have been attacked on a number of occasions; and dogs are a favorite target of the big cats and coyotes. a couple of years ago one in broad daylight..with the dog on a leash..and attached to it’s owner! The horses of equestrians attract not only predators ..but other horses..as in the wildlings – and they can play rough!. Your first response to one of these situations could be critical in all respects. As equestrians, the 40Something Cowgirls love riding in the wilderness, but we feel this subject matter to be of broad public interest, so this seminar is being made open to the public, and as a free public service, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and other experts on related issues. Whether you are an equestrian, hiker, biker, hunter, camper, fisherman, or sight seer, this informative seminar is sure to have information, as provided by experts in their respective fields, which will help you to enjoy your activity more safely, legally, and memorably with each other and incumbent wildlife. The speakers could not be more stellar or appropriate as brought together and scheduled for us by Jim Beaupre’, USFS Recreation Team Lead, and are as follows: Matthew Keenan – ODFW (Oregon Dept Fish/Wildlife) biologist has confirmed to speak on cougars; Andrew Passarelli, USFS Wildlife Biologist for additional USFS input on Cougars and Wild Horses; Jim Beaupre’, Recreation Team Lead on recreational opportunities in the forest; Kim McCarrel, author of “Riding Central Oregon Horse Trails – Riding Opportunities On The Forest and Grassland”; Tory Kurz, USFS Rangeland Management Specialist – Wild Horse Information. Please join us Thursday, April 25,2019 at the Forest Service facility in Prineville located at 3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754 (east end of town on the right) in the Alder Room, at 6:00pm. Don’t miss this great opportunity, not likely to come around again soon. Save the date and let’s learn to “Share The Ochocos” together. See you all there!