VARIOUS DATES -- Boating safety courses with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (basic classes on boat handling, safety equipment, navigational rules and boating emergencies; specialty classes on advanced navigation, reading nautical chart, using GPS and radar); fee varies. Vessel safety check with local Coast Guard Auxiliary; examine your vessel to ensure compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements; free. Information: safety classes (877) 875-6296, USCGAUX Boating Safety Class page http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/ve_visitor/ index.html; vessel checks www.safety seal.net (click "I want a VSC").

FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH -- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 20-02, 7 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. Fee: none to join or attend meetings; $25 annual dues. Information: Earle Wood (252) 808-0120, www.cgaux.org.

SATURDAY -- Capital Chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation Inaugural Canoe-A-Thon Benefit on the Neuse River, 12:30 p.m., Falls Lake Dam area down to Buffalo Road, Raleigh. Fee: $50 donation suggested (tax deductible); snacks and drinks provided; canoes and kayaks provided for non-owners; shuttle provided. Information: Katie McKeithan (919) 461-1597.

FISHING

SEPT. 27-- "Steelheading Made Easy" seminar on steelhead fishing, 11 a.m., Orvis Raleigh, 3701 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh. Fee: free. Information: (919) 792-9200, www.orvis.com.

OCT. 4 -- "False Albacore on the Fly" fly-fishing seminar for the speedy tuna, with Dean Lamont, 11 a.m., Orvis Raleigh, 3701 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh. Fee: free. (919) 792-9200, www.orvis.com.

OCT. 10-11 -- Carolina Antique Tackle Collectors Fall Show, 3-7 p.m. Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 11, Days Inn Conference Center, 805 S.W. Service Road, Southern Pines: auctions 7-9 p.m. Friday, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, vintage lure raffle, free appraisals. Fee: $3 admission (free if you bring item to appraise or auction), $20 to exhibit. Information: Ralph Acker (910) 949-2342, cracker4121@embarqmail.com.

HUNTING

ONGOING -- Cape Fear River Branch of Quality Deer Management Association's QDM for Kids year-long, hands-on woodsmanship program. Ages: 9-13, 14-17. Fee: free. Information: Judy Gardner (919) 552-9449, www.capefear- qdma.org.

BANQUETS

AUG. 21 -- Wake County chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation banquet, 6 p.m., Amran Temple, 11101 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. Fee: $50 singles, $75 couples, $250 sponsorship. Information: Mark Etter (919) 266-1918, Charlie Overton (919) 872-2143.

CLUBS

SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH -- Carteret County Wildlife Club meeting, Morehead City Parks and Recreation building or member's home. Outdoors- and conservation-minded individuals welcome. Fee: $10 annual dues. Information: club president Sue Huntsman, outings chairman Gene Huntsman (252) 447-4061, feeshdr@starfishnet.com, www.clis.com/canoe2.

SHOOTING

SATURDAY -- Concealed Carry Handgun License Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wake County Firearms Education & Training Center, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, Holly Springs. Fee $75, register in advance. Information: (919) 303-5192, www.wakegov.com/firingrange.

AUG. 11-25 -- Wake County Public Range closed for annual maintenance, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. Information: (919) 303-0851, www.wakegov.com/firingrange.

AUG. 16 - NRA Basic Pistol Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sir Walter Gun Club, 2507 Hester Road, Creedmoor. Fee: $100. Information: (919) 521-8904, www.sirwaltergun club.com.

AUG. 23 - N.C. Concealed Carry Handgun Course, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sir Walter Gun Club, 2507 Hester Road, Creedmoor. Fee: $75. Information: (919) 521-8904, www.sirwaltergunclub.com.

AUG. 26 -- Range Safety Orientation Course, required for range use, 6:30 p.m., Wake County Firearms Education & Training Center indoor public range, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. Fee: $15-$25. Information: (919) 303-0851, www.wakegov.com/firingrange.

SEPT. 2 -- Range Safety Orientation Course, required for membership, 6:30 p.m., Wake County Firearms Education & Training Center indoor public range, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, Apex. Fee: $15-$25. Information: (919) 303-0851, www.wakegov.com/firingrange.

SEPT. 9-11 -- Concealed Carry Handgun License Course, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. daily, Wake County Firearms Education & Training Center, 3921 Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, Apex: Fee: $75. Information: (919) 303-5192, www.wakegov.com/ firingrange.

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