Hunter education is offered this weekend

MEEKER I Residents of Meeker and nearby communities will have an opportunity to earn their Hunter Education card by attending a two-day class offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife at the ERBM Recreation Center.
The class will take place this coming Saturday and Sunday, and students must attend both days.
Anyone interested in attending must pre-register for the class by calling 970-878-3403.
Hunter Education is required for those born after Jan. 1, 1949, who plan on purchasing a hunting license. However, the class may be taken by anyone, whether they plan to hunt or not.
“The course teaches aspiring hunters a variety of very useful information that will keep them safe and help them become responsible and ethical sportsmen and women,” said district wildlife manager Mike Grooms. “However, any outdoor recreationist can benefit from the variety of topics covered, including basic navigation, survival and wildlife species identification.”
Grooms, who will serve as class instructor, stresses that there are only a few chances to take the course locally each year and he encourages everyone to take advantage of the opportunity.
There is no age limit, however younger pupils must be able to read and understand the material and test and must be able to handle a firearm safely.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive their hunter safety card and will be able to purchase a hunting license.
Hunter Education has been required in Colorado since 1970 in response to a significant number of hunting-related injuries and deaths in the prior decade. Today, the class is required in all 50 states and hunting is considered one of the safest of all outdoor activities.
Call 970-878-3403 to register. For more information about Hunter Education, go to www.wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/HunterEducation/Pages/HuntEd.aspx