Hunter education class Aug. 21-23

MEEKER | By Colorado statute, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, who applies for a Colorado hunting license or preference point must have successfully completed an approved hunter education course.
An approved DOW hunter education course, instructed by Jon Wangnild, and hosted by ERBM Recreation and Park District, will be held Aug. 21, 22 and 23. Any individual who plans on spending time outdoors, whether they intend to hunt or not, can benefit by receiving the training.
The most basic purpose of a hunter education course is to teach safe, responsible firearm handling in the field, in the vehicle, and in the home after hunting. Through lectures, hands-on activities, and videos, students learn about firearms and ammunition, firearm safety, shooting fundamentals and firearm and wildlife laws.
While hunter education courses enable safer hunting, they also help hunters be more successful in their hunts, and emphasize ethical hunting behavior. Subjects covered include hunter responsibility, wildlife identification and management, game care and outdoor survival. Students also receive introductions to hunting with bows and black-powder firearms.
To receive a hunter education card, enrollees must attend all sessions, pass a final written exam and “live fire” exercise. Fee for the class is $10. Further details regarding time, location and age restrictions can be found in the August-December 2009 Activities brochure, by calling 878-3403, or visiting the Web site at www.meekerrecdistrict.com.