SAMBAA K'E/TROUT LAKE - A small but dedicated group of Canadian Rangers in Trout Lake have refreshed their skills.

Led by instructor Sgt. Mark Bell, four members of the Trout Lake patrol participated in an annual training exercise from Nov. 9 to 20. The patrol has between six to eight active members but some were unable to attend because of work and family obligations, said Ranger Sgt. Phoebe Punch, who's in command of the patrol.

Canadian Ranger Sgt. Phoebe Punch, left, watches as Rangers Joyce Jumbo and Ernest Lomen along with Sgt. Mark Bell clean their rifles after an on the land training exercise in Trout Lake. - photo courtesy of Clinton Betthale

In addition to Punch, participants included Master Cpl. Clinton Betthale, Ranger Ernest Lomen and Ranger Joyce Jumbo. The exercise incorporated both theory and hands-on practical skills. Indoors the Rangers trained on GPS units and the patrol's new satellite phone. Basic first aid was also covered.

For the four Rangers the most enjoyable part of the training, however, happened outdoors. The group spent four days camping on the land approximately 15 km away from Trout Lake. The Rangers set up their camp including McPherson tents, held their annual marksmanship competition and also spent a day on traditional skills including hunting and trapping.

Punch easily identified the parts of the training she enjoyed the most.

"The fresh air and cooking pancake breakfast for the patrol and steaks for supper," she said.

The pancakes and steaks were a real treat for the patrol members who normally eat military rations while training, said Punch.

Master. Cpl. Clinton Betthale also liked the chance to be outdoors in the fresh air.

"It was actually quite nice," said Betthale.

Betthale marked the training by winning his third top shot award during the patrol's marksmanship competition. It was a close win, with only five points separating Betthale from Ernest Lomen.

Although it's just a friendly competition Betthale said he plans to try a lot harder next year to give Lomen a run for his money.

Overall the training was enjoyable, mostly because of the instruction by Sgt. Mark Bell, said Betthale.

"He's a really nice sergeant instructor," he said.

Betthale is already looking forward to the next training exercise, which he hopes will be a boat patrol if headquarters gives permission.

Being out on the land was also the training highlight for Lomen.

"We had a lot of fun out there," he said. Camp living involved a lot of teamwork and mutual help, he said.

Lomen assisted with gathering firewood and setting up the shooting range. He said he learned a number of new skills, including how to angle his rifle.

Lomen, who has been a Ranger for approximately eight years, said he joined because he was interested in patrolling and participating in search and rescue missions. Local training is fun but it's good to also train in larger groups with Rangers from other communities, he said.

The number of active Rangers in the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG) is expanding, said commanding officer Major Luc Chang.

Since October 2008, 185 new recruits have been trained in the patrol group's area, which includes the NWT, Nunavut, Yukon and northern B.C. There are 56 patrols in the area including 20 in the NWT.

On average, each patrol has up to 35 Rangers, said Chang. After their initial training Rangers are encouraged to participate in annual training exercises to refresh their skills.

"It's really to maintain the skills or even to improve them," he said.

The number of volunteers who were available to train in Trout Lake was low, but Chang said he's not alarmed by the numbers. The patrol will be monitored closely and options could include combining their training with the patrols in Fort Simpson or Fort Providence, he said.

"There are still volunteers out there who want to be Rangers and we will keep working with them closely," said Chang.