CPW to offer safety class this weekend

MEEKER I Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering novice hunters from the Meeker area a final opportunity to take their required Hunter Education class from an agency instructor before this fall’s big game hunting seasons.
The course will be held at the Meeker Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The live-fire portion of the class will take place at the Meeker Sportsmen’s Club, located 4.5 miles south of Meeker, off State Highway 13.
Hunter Education became a requirement in Colorado in 1971, after numerous hunting accidents resulted in injuries and deaths in the previous decade.
Since the course became a requirement, the number of fatalities and hunting-related injuries has fallen dramatically.
Today, hunting is considered one of the safest of all outdoor activities.
“If you plan to hunt, the course is required,” said district wildlife manager Michael Grooms, who will teach the course. “But if you enjoy hiking, camping or recreating outdoors in your own way, the class can be very educational and useful.”
There are no age requirements for the two-day class, but students must be able to read, write, understand the material, handle a firearm safely and attend both days to pass the class.
Participants are asked to leave all personal firearms at home.
On Saturday, participants may purchase a lunch for $5.50. On Sunday, the class will be at the Meeker Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by the live-fire portion of the class at the Meeker Sportsmen’s Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Transportation to the Sportsmen’s Club will not be provided.
The fee for the course is $10, payable the day of the class. The class is limited to the first 30 who reserve their spot. To register or for more information, call the Meeker Recreation Center at 970-878-3403. One mentor per participant will be allowed.