Bowhunter classes offered in Meeker

The Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District is offering a one-time only bowhunter education class. Archery hunters are encouraged to earn their bowhunter education card by participating in the three-day course Friday, April 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 29 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The course will be taught by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteer.
In many states, passing a bowhunter education class is required before purchasing an archery license; however, in Colorado, it is considered an advanced hunter safety course but is not required. The green bowhunter education card earned by successful students in this class is accepted anywhere in the world when purchasing an archery license.
“We recommend that all bowhunters take advantage of this rare opportunity in western Colorado to learn more about this primitive form of hunting, and earn their bowhunter education card,” said CPW district wildlife officer Jon Wangnild of Meeker. “You will learn about safety and skills unique to bowhunting and we hope to see a good turnout.”
Course topics include the bowhunter’s responsibilities, equipment, range estimation, hunt planning, tree stands, survival skills, basic first aid and many other useful skills including wildlife laws, regulations and management.
Successful participants must attend all three days of the class and are required to use their own equipment, including three broad heads and three filed points. Everyone must also pass a written, true or false examination.
Participants must be 12 and over. Fees are $10 for the first family member and each additional family member pays only $5.
Saturday, a lunch can be purchased for $5 and proceeds from lunch sales will be donated to the youth archery program at recreation center.
On Sunday, the class will take place outdoors at the Paintbrush Park Archery Range and participants are cautioned to dress appropriately.
The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 13. To register please call the ERBM Recreation and Park District at 970-878-3403 or visit www.MeekerRecDistrict.com for more information.