Hunter safety classes offered in Craig

CRAIG I Residents of Rio Blanco County will have an opportunity to earn their Colorado Hunter Education Card by attending four classes in two days offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Craig in March, May or June.
The classes will be held at the Moffat County School District’s administrative building, located at 755 Yampa Ave., the weekends of March 22-23, May 3-4 and June 28-29. Students must attend both days.
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 there are only a few chances to take the course locally each year, and he encourages everyone to take advantage of these opportunities.
There is no age limit. Younger pupils, however, 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.
Space is limited. To register, contact the Craig Chamber of Commerce at 970-824-5689. The classes begin at 8 a.m. and will wrap-up at approximately 5 p.m. each day.
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.