Michigan DNR honors long-time hunter education instructors

For nearly 70 years, Michigan has conducted hunter education classes for new hunters, teaching firearms safety and the regulations behind having a safe and successful hunt. This year, during special recognition ceremonies at a series of Natural Resources Commission meetings around the state, the Department of Natural Resources is honoring its long-time instructors who have been with the program for more than 40 years.
“Our hunter education program has trained over 1 million hunters since its start in 1946 and currently trains about 20,000 students a year,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “We could not do this without the help of our hunter education instructors who volunteer because of their love of the outdoors and their passion for passing along that love to the next generation of conservation leaders. We are proud to honor them for their longtime commitment to making sure everyone has a safe experience in the woods.”
At least 42 active hunter education instructors have given more than 40 years of service to the program, including Charles Duncan of Bay City who is the longest-serving instructor, having volunteered for over 49 years. Other instructors honored at the May 8 NRC meeting include: 

• Jack W. Cox, Battle Creek
• John W. Dicks, Saline
• Glenn C. Duncan, Bay City (son of Charles Duncan)
• Paul C. Hayes, Flushing
• Carl D. Holsinger, Holland
• Wayne L. Hoyt, Commerce Township
• William Johnston, Alto
• Cloyse Lundie, Durand
• Larry E. Martin, Ovid
• Dennis D. McMahan, Freeland
• William G. Osladil, Utica
• Gary L. Pawlitz, Macomb
• Allan G. Smith, Westphalia
• Verne Spiekerman, Reese
• Larry L. Whitney, Dimondale

While having a crop of seasoned, veteran instructors is an advantage for Michigan’s hunter education program, there also is a need to recruit new instructors in all regions of the state, according to Lt. Andrew Turner who manages the recreation safety program for the DNR's Law Enforcement Division. 
“We greatly appreciate our veteran instructors who have been with the program for more than 40 years," said Turner. "If you have an interest in passing along your experience in hunting to new hunters, we need you in our program. This is a great way to ensure that the sport you enjoy today is enjoyed by future generations.”
For more information on Michigan’s hunter education program, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationalsafety. 

IOWA HAS SAFE HUNTING YEAR IN ‘13

With no fatalities, 11 injuries and six cases of property damage, Iowa hunters matched a record low in 2013; continuing a decade long run of safe hunting seasons. That 17-incident year tied 2008, though ’08 did register a gun related fatality. Still, when any incident could result in tragedy, the goal is ‘zero’ across the board.

“We continue seeing a trend of self-inflicted incidents. There were seven this year. That has stayed pretty steady over the last four, five years,” reviews Megan Wisecup, safety education programs coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. “It gets back to basic firearm handling. Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the trigger, until ready to shoot. And take an extra minute when crossing obstacles to unload.”

A jacket drawstring….a handgun falling from a truck…thick brush on a creek bank. Each triggered a gun to fire in 2013. Linn, Marion and Floyd counties each recorded two 2013 incidents. The others were spread among 11 central, eastern and north-central counties.

The key to the long term drop can be traced directly to many Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons…in mandatory hunter education classrooms and outdoor safety courses.

“Back in the 60s; we were seeing over 100 incidents and up to 20 fatalities a year,” underscores Wisecup. “Hunter education--voluntary since 1960—became mandatory in 1983. Since then, we have seen a drastic drop in the numbers of hunting incidents.”

There were 11,505 Iowa students certified in 368 classes 2013. The 10 hour sessions, usually spread over two or three days, teach basic understanding of hunting regulations, first aid and ethics, as well as safe firearm handling, and wildlife understanding; all under the watchful eyes of nearly 1,300 volunteer instructors.

“We like the traditional classes for younger students; those 12 up to 16 years old,” outlines Pat Jorgensen, recreational safety officer for the DNR, in eastern Iowa. “They get a lot more hands-on type learning; live firing, a safety trail with ‘shoot/don’t shoot’ scenarios. They handle firearms in a safe manner.”

The classes and emphasis evolve over time. For instance an ‘online only’ course is now available for adults; recognition that work schedules and juggling family commitments don’t always leave two or three days in a row to sit through a class.

Even the areas of emphasis are updated through the years. With upwards of 50,000 archery deer hunters, now; a noticeable climb in tree stand falls—some fatal—brings special attention to tree stand safety.

“We focus more on putting up stands; carrying equipment up and down the tree,” says Jorgensen. “Using three point contact climbing (meaning three hands/feet are in contact with the ladder or stand at all times), too.”

And the emphasis on safety continues in the stand. A decade ago, most tree stand hunters slid a single strap around their waist…if that. Now, full body harnesses are recommended.

“Still, people are not always properly wearing them. That has resulted in injuries…and death,” warns Jorgensen. There were two fatal bowhunting falls in 2012.

In upland game or deer hunting, firearm hunters are wearing more blaze orange than years past. The minimum might be a ‘torso covered’ (deer hunting) or an item ‘at least 50 percent blaze orange,’ (upland game), however, instructors stress that more is always better;

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Michigan Hunters - Don’t forget hunter education course requirements before heading out this fall

Don’t forget hunter education course requirements before heading out this fall
Michigan residents considering hunting in 2013 who need to complete a hunter education

course should enroll in a class prior to Oct. 1, when offerings are plentiful. Classes are held year-round, but April, May, August and September are the traditional times when classes are most available.

“With summer winding down and the focus turning to getting the kids ready for the school year, parents should consider that part of that ‘back to school’ routine should be enrolling in hunter education for any child 10 years old or older who wants to hunt this fall,” said Sgt. Tom Wanless, hunter education program supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources. “Waiting until the last minute before you go deer hunting this fall can often translate into difficulty finding a class or an instructor available for a field day if you are planning to take the home-study or online course.”

Michigan has three types of hunter education courses – a traditional classroom, a home-study and an online version. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1960 is required to complete the course before buying a Michigan hunting license or taking an out-of-state hunting trip. Exceptions are made for youths under the age of 10 hunting under a mentored youth hunting license or hunters older than 10 hunting with an apprentice hunting license. Hunters can hunt under the apprentice program for two years before they are required to take hunter education.

The traditional classroom course is a minimum of 10 hours and includes both classroom and field work with an instructor. The home-study course features a workbook to complete classwork and requires a field/skills day. Michigan also offers two approved online hunter education courses, at www.hunter-ed.com/Michigan and www.huntercourse.com/usa/michigan. Students who opt for the online course complete their classwork online, and then have a field/skills day with an instructor and take a written exam.

Additionally, the DNR is seeking those interested in becoming hunter education instructors. There is a strong need for instructors in southeast Michigan. For more information on becoming an instructor in southeast Michigan, contact Specialist Peggy Ruby at rubyp@michigan.gov or call 586-405-5359.

For more information about hunter education or to find a class in your area, go to www.michigan.gov/huntereducation.

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Ohio: CAMP HERITAGE OFFERS AREA YOUTH OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND HUNTER EDUCATION CAMP

Camp Heritage, Inc, in conjunction with the Athens Fish & Game Club and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, is hosting the annual Hunter Education Camp the weekend of July 12-14, 2013.  The camp is held for youth ages 9-15 who have not successfully completed a hunter education course.

Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 50 campers.

During the three-day camp each participant, under full supervision, will shoot .22 rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment.  They will also learn wilderness survival skills, first aid, and hunter ethics.  This is a sleepover event, and participants will be accomodated with cabins provided by the camp.  The particpants will be grouped by gender for sleeping.  Adult staff will also be camping overnight.

Please note this is for youth who have not already successfully completed a hunter education course.  There is no charge for participants, as the weekend is grant funded and operated by Division of Wildlife staff, members of the Athens Fish & Game Club, certified instructors, and local sportsmen and sportswomen.  Upon successful completion of the course (pass test with a score of 80% or better) participants will be issued an official certification card necessary for all first time license purchases.

The Camp Heritage facility is located at 600 Robinette Ridge Road, New Marshfield, Ohio.  For more information or to register for the workshop, please contact Tara Riley at 740-591-9650, or check out the Camp Heritage website at http://athensfishandgame.org/camp-heritage.html.

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Reminder from Minnesota DNR: Now is the time to take a hunter safety course

With the fall hunting seasons just around the corner, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges hunters to sign up now for a hunter education class.

“Though classes are held throughout the year, their numbers peak in the summer and early fall,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Division education program coordinator. “So now is the time to sign up and complete a course, because once the hunting season gets rolling, it might be too late.”

Besides ensuring the ability to hunt this year, taking the class sooner rather than later means more time for scouting hunting locations, sighting-in rifles, practicing shotgun skills and securing permission to hunt on private lands.

Minnesota hunters born after Dec. 31, 1979, must take a DNR hunter education firearms safety training course and receive a certificate of completion before buying a license for big or small game.

Classes are taught by DNR certified volunteers in their local communities. Students, depending on their age, have a few options to become certified. Regardless of which option they choose the course provides them with basic safe firearms handling skills, wildlife identification, outdoor skills and responsibility that accompanies hunting and firearms use.

Classes fill-up fast. Find a class and sign up today or call 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

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Time to get Managed Deer Hunt Application in for Missouri Hunters - July 1

Nearly 6,000 deer hunters will have a chance to participate in more than 100 managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) from mid-September through January. Hunters can apply online for these managed deer

hunts beginning July 1 through Aug. 15.

MDC holds an electronic drawing to determine who gets to participate in managed deer hunts at conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges and urban parks. The hunts are open to Missouri residents and nonresidents, and help achieve MDC’s deer-management goals for the state while also providing additional hunting opportunities.

Types of hunts include archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods and modern firearms, plus youth hunts and hunts for people with disabilities.

Hunt dates, locations and other details will be listed on the managed hunt application page on the MDC website starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/node/8712. Details about managed hunts will also soon be available in the 2013 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations & Information booklet available at MDC offices, online at mdc.mo.gov, and from permit vendors around the state.

Hunters may apply individually or as groups of up to six, except for youth hunts. Youths 11 years of age or older who are hunter education certified may apply singly or with one other youth for youth hunts and must be accompanied on the hunt by a qualified adult mentor.

Applicants will need a nine-digit Conservation ID number for each hunter to complete the application process. Conservation ID numbers are listed on all hunting and fishing permits, and on Missouri Conservation Heritage Cards.

MDC will post drawing results at the same website address from Sept. 14 to Dec. 31. Successful applicants will receive area maps and other information regarding their hunts by mail.

Resident or nonresident managed deer hunting permits are required to participate in managed hunts. These permits will be available to successful applicants after Sept. 14 from any permit vendor statewide, or through MDC’s e-Permits at mdc.mo.gov.

MDC implemented a weighted preference point system in 2007 to give unsuccessful applicants for managed deer hunts an advantage in future drawings. Hunters who apply for the first time or who were drawn for hunts the previous year are statistically less likely to be drawn than those who entered but were not drawn in previous years.

Beginning in 2014, the managed deer hunt application timeframe will be shortened, and run July 1-31. This change is being made to allow more time for hunters to be notified of their selection for early-season managed hunts.

For more information on MDC managed deer hunts, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3867.

Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, and who are 16 or older, must successfully complete an approved hunter education course to qualify to buy firearms hunting permits and participate in managed hunts. Youth 6 through 15 may hunt without hunter education certification when accompanied by a qualified adult mentor during managed hunts open to all. Mentors also are required to be hunter-education certified, unless exempt by age.

Hunter education classes fill up quickly as hunting seasons approach. Enrolling early will ensure against the disappointment of not getting into a class and not getting to hunt.

The MDC hunter education curriculum has been recently revised to enhance student convenience and emphasize mentorship and hands-on training. The new, more flexible version is divided into two parts. The first part provides necessary knowledge about hunting equipment, safety, and ethics through either an online course, a self-paced student manual, or through a four-hour classroom session. The second part consists of a mandatory four-hour hands-on skills session and a 35-question multiple-choice exam. For more information on hunter education, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3095.

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Indiana Deer Hunting Related News

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources Spearheading 2 Important Efforts

DNR partners with Ball State to study fawns

Fish & Wildlife biologists are partnering with Ball State biologists to determine how white-tailed deer fawns move in urban areas compared to rural areas.

The study kicked off this spring with more than 30 fawns being collared with lightweight radio transmitters to track their movement. The collars aren't easily seen and will not make it easier for predators to spot the deer in the wild.

More fawns are needed for this research in rural Monroe County or western Brown County. If you live in these areas and see a fawn, contact the Ball State research team at deerstudy@bsu.edu or (812) 822-3308. 

Explore Bowhunting

Explore Bowhunting is an outdoor conservation education program focusing on interaction with people and wildlife. It teaches students how to interact with the natural world by developing basic skills used to bowhunt which focus on getting close to animals. 

Explore Bowhunting's audience is formal educators of middle and high school

students and informal educator's of students 11-17.

Educators will be required to attend a one day instructor workshop prior to program implementation. It's designed to teach students how to feel comfortable in the outdoors whether the goal is to bowhunt, photograph wildlife or interact with nature for any purpose.

Training workshop dates

June 20 at Atterbury FWA from 1 to 6 p.m.

July 11 at Kankakee FWA from 1 to 6 p.m.

July 18 at Gene Stratton Porter State Historic Site from 1 to 6 p.m.

Contact Amanda Wuestefeld or Diane Day at (317) 234-8442 or awuestefeld@dnr.in.gov or (317) 234-8440 or dfwed@dnr.in.gov.

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Spring is best time to take hunter education classes

Michigan residents considering hunting in 2013 and who need to complete a hunter education course should enroll in a class this spring, when offerings are plentiful. Classes are held year-round, but April, May, August and September are traditionally the months when classes are most available.

"We encourage anyone considering hunting this year who needs to complete a hunter education course to enroll now in a spring course,” said Sgt. Jon Wood, hunter education program supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources. “Waiting until the last minute before you go deer hunting this fall can often translate into difficulty finding a class or an instructor available for a field day, if you are planning to take the home-study or online course.”

Michigan has three types of hunter education courses – traditional classroom, home-study and online. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, is required to complete the course before buying a Michigan hunting license or taking an out-of-state hunting trip. Exceptions are made for youths under the age of 10 who are hunting under a Mentored Youth Hunting license or hunters older than 10 who are hunting with an apprentice hunting license. Hunters can hunt under the apprentice program for two years before they are required to take hunter education.

The traditional classroom course is a minimum of 10 hours and includes both classroom and field work with an instructor. The fee for the class is $10 or less to cover field supplies. The home-study course features a workbook to complete classwork. A field day is required with the home-study course and must be scheduled with an instructor prior to starting the course. Michigan also offers two approved online hunter education courses, www.hunter-ed.com/Michigan and www.huntercourse.com. Students who choose the online course will complete their classwork online, and then have a field/skills day with an instructor and take a written exam. The field day must be scheduled with an instructor prior to starting the online course.

For more information about hunter education and locations of classes, go to www.michigan.gov/huntereducation.  

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Numerous hunter education courses open statewide in Wisconsin

Hunter and dog with their catch. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Enroll today so you are ready for opening day of all seasons

MADISON – More than 40 percent of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Hunter Education courses are held in spring, making this an opportune time for you to enroll to complete the class to ensure you can hunt when you want to hunt.

“This truly is the best time to get this important course completed. All too often we see how time can get away from people and suddenly we are into the seasons, and the courses are either full or no longer being held,” Hunter Education Administrator and Warden Jon King said. “If you complete the course early in the year, you are scout, target shoot and have fun preparing so you are ready to take to the woods on opening day.”

The hunter education courses are led by trained and certified volunteer instructors and are offered statewide throughout the year.

Easy ways to get do the course

There are three ways to get hunter education certified:

• Basic Hunter Education – A classroom setting of about 10 hours. Students learn how hunting accidents are caused and how they can be prevented. Hunter responsibility and safety are stressed throughout the classes through lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, practical exercises, and individual study and activity assignments. In most cases, the course also includes a Saturday or Sunday field day at the range. Cost is $10.
• Online Internet Hunter Education and Field Day – Register for a hunter ed internet field day after passing an online course approved by the DNR. You’ll spend a day in the field with certified online hunter instructors testing what you learned online. The field day is mandatory to earn your hunter education safety certification. Cost is $10, and can range depending on what online course you choose.
• Adult (18 years of age or older) Online Internet Hunter Education Test Out – Anyone age 18 or older can register for an adult test out scheduled bi-monthly at DNR service centers. Required online course www.huntercourse.com/usa/wisconsin/ costs $24.95 plus a $10 DNR fee.

To find a course or to sign up for the online course, search the DNR website for hunter education and click on the button for "find a class."

“Thanks to the Hunter Education program, hunting is safe and getting safer,” King said.

Hunter education covers the firearm handling skills, regulations, and responsibilities of a safe and ethical hunter. Nearly 30,000 Wisconsin youths and adults get hunter ed-certified every year. Wisconsin hunter certification is recognized by all states and provinces requiring hunter education.

“Get enrolled now and join the ranks of today’s hunter education graduates who are ensuring the future of our hunting heritage,” King said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon King – 608-575-2294

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Kansas NRA YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE MAY 5

National Rifle Association (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Four shooting and four responsibility areas of competition offered to participants

WELLINGTON — On May 5, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will conduct its Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) at the Davis Pond, 5 miles north of Mayfield in Sumner County. (From Highway 160, go north 3 miles on Anson Road, west 1 mile on 40th, and north 1.5 miles on Mayfield Road.) This competition will include two groups: a Youth Division, ages 10-14, and a Senior Division, ages 15-18. Competitors may be 19 if they are enrolled in high school and turn 19 during the school year. Hunter education certification is required except for 10- and 11-year-old participants.

This a comprehensive program created to promote outdoor skills and safety training in young hunters. Youth who have received their state hunter education certificate are eligible to compete for awards and prizes in eight different skill areas. Competition consists of four responsibility events and four shooting events, including rifle, archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, ethics, wildlife identification, orienteering, and safety on the trail. All skill levels are welcome to participate.

Registration forms may be found online at kansasyhec.org/forms.html. Entry form, $20 early entry fee, copy of birth certificate, and copy of hunter safety education certificate must be post marked no later than April 20. Forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of participant slots will be available. Mail registration forms to SC KS YHEC, c/o Jarrod Davis, 747 N. Anson Rd., Wellington, KS 67152. On-site registrants will be on standby should participant slots become full. On-site registration fee is $30. More information may be found online at http://kansasyhec.org. Parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy the event. For more information, email KansasYHEC@gmail.com.

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Minnesota: Time to sign up for DNR hunter education class

Image via Wikipedia

Now is prime time to sign up for a Firearms Safety Hunter Education Class offered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), according to Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Division education program coordinator.

“Now is the time for people to register for a class if they want to hunt this fall and need to complete a Firearms Safety Hunter Education class to be eligible to hunt,” Hammer said. “There are lots of dates and locations around the state to choose from this spring.”

Classes are taught by DNR certified volunteers in their local communities, typically in the spring and early fall. To become certified, students attend both classroom and field instruction sessions. The course provides students with basic safe firearms handling skills, wildlife identification, outdoor skills, and responsibilities that accompany hunting and firearms use.

Find a class online, or call 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

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Wisconsin: Register now for hunter education courses

Image via Wikipedia

MADISON – Wisconsin hunters planning for 2012 seasons should register now for required hunter education certificate courses to avoid missing the season for failure to complete a course on time.

“Nearly all of the volunteer hunter education instructors are hunters themselves and enjoy hunting in the fall,” says Conservation Warden Jon King, who took over as the state’s hunting education administrator in January. “The hunter education program offers about 1,200 courses every year, but very few of them are offered from October through December."

King, who also has been a hunter education instructor himself for about 11 years and a recreational safety warden in the southern counties for the last seven, says it is not uncommon for hunters to start the search for a course a few weeks before the start of the gun-deer season. "Nearly all courses have been offered by then," he says.

Anyone born on or after Jan.1, 1973, must have completed a hunter education course and show the certificate to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin. Also, recreational safety students are required to obtain a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number before the completion of any recreational safety class and must provide that Customer ID Number to the instructor.

To find a course, Look under the heading of Recreational Safety Course – Upcoming Classes. Check frequently as courses are added to the listing as instructors alert the DNR.

King, who also worked as a police officer for eight years before joining the DNR, says hunting accidents have dropped by 90 percent since the hunter education program began in the state. “The many volunteer instructors who teach hunter education and the number of our hunters who have now graduated from our courses is a big reason why hunting is safe.”

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Indiana: DNR offers online ATV safety course

Image via Wikipedia

The Indiana Department Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Outdoor Recreation divisions are partnering to offer an online All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety course.

ATVs and other off-road vehicles have increased in popularity over the past decade, but so have accidents. Indiana Conservation Officer Maj. Michael Portteus reports that ATV accidents are have increased nearly 40 percent over the past four years from 153 in 2008 to 214 last year.

“The online safety course will educate people on the safety rules of riding, using and operating an ATV,” said Lt. Larry Morrison, head of DNR Law Enforcement’s outdoor education program.

The online course presents a wide variety of information on the basics of ATVs, safe operation of ATVs, responsibilities of riders to others and the environment, and general information on preparing for the unexpected.

The online course can be found at offroad-ed.com/in/index.htm and can be studied at a personal pace. A $30 fee is assessed prior to beginning the certification test. Individuals who successfully complete the test are issued a lifetime certification card.

“This certification ensures that the operator is well educated and has learned how to safely operate an ATV, which is the first step in reducing the number of ATV accidents in Indiana,” said Dale Brier, chief of DNR Outdoor Recreation’s streams and trails section.

For more information: Lt. William T. Browne, Indiana Conservation Officer, (765) 509-0207.

Minnesota DNR looking for safe and responsible hunter mentors

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People who have paid attention to recent outdoors newspaper, magazine and television stories may have noticed pictures of beaming youths following a successful hunt. What’s often missing from the picture is the young hunter’s mentor who made such a successful experience possible.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in need of additional mentors to serve as guides for its safety training programs, particularly the “All Day Range and Field Day” portion of the hunter firearms safety course.

“The time shared between a youngster and a mentor is invaluable,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Division safety education coordinator. “There simply is no better way to introduce a young person to safe, ethical and responsible aspects of hunting than with the close supervision of an adult mentor.”

Mentors work for about five hours with a group of three to four students, ages 11-15, facilitating, mentoring and evaluating students as they complete hunter-based scenarios that include big game, small game and turkey hunting, as well as shoot/don’t shoot, tree stand safety, outdoor survival, firearms transportation, common firearm action types, blaze orange and more.

Knowledge of various hunting activities and knowledge of the principles of safe, responsible and ethical hunting are required. Mentors also need to understand basic principles of mentorship and facilitation of “Range and Field Day” scenarios taught at instructor certification training sessions. Learn moreabout mentoring.

Mentor applicants must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. Prior to attending an instructor training session, applicants must complete instructor prerequisites.

Certification sessions are conducted by DNR trainers when and where there is a need.

People are encouraged to complete the instructor prerequisites as soon as possible, so they will be prepared when a convenient training session is offered.

More information is available by contacting the DNR Enforcement Education Program staff at Camp Ripley,15011 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345. People also can call 800-366-8917 or send an email toenforcement.education@state.mn.us.

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North Dakota Hunter Education Classes in 2012

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Individuals interested in taking a hunter education class in 2012 should know that most courses are offered early in the calendar year.

To register for a hunter education course, students need to sign up online at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Many classes will be added over the next several weeks, and the rest will be added throughout the year as they are finalized.

To register, click on the online services tab, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading. Classes are listed by city, and can also be sorted by start date. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class, and follow the simple instructions. Personal information is required.

If circumstances dictate the registrant cannot attend the course, it is important to access the website to delete the enrollment. This will allow others to enroll because space is limited. In addition, an individual cannot register for another course until the initial registration is deleted.

In addition to enrolling for classes, the website also provides a free hunter education study guide and a tree stand safety course. Students are encouraged to use these resources to study course material.

Those who do not have access to the Internet and want to sign up for a class can call the hunter education program in Bismarck at (701) 328-6615.

State law requires anyone born after December 31, 1961 to pass a certified hunter education course to hunt in the state. Hunter education is mandatory for youth who are turning 12 years old, and children can take the class at age 11.

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Ohio- Pass Along the Hunting Heritage: Become a Hunter Education Instructor!

XENIA, OH – A training academy for individuals interested in becoming hunter education instructors will be offered March 16 and 17 according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.  

Training will be held at the Isaac Walton League of America located at 450 Beissinger Rd., Hamilton Ohio 45013. There is no cost to participate in a Hunter education instructor academy.  Those interested in attending must register by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE at least two weeks prior to the academy.

Participants must attend both days of training, be at least 18 years of age and have successfully completed a hunter education course. Ohio currently has 1,700 volunteer instructors who train thousands of hunters each year to be safe and responsible in the field. 

For more information on becoming a hunter education instructor visit wildohio.com.

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New firearm rules take effect on opening day of gun deer hunt

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MADISON -- New legislation signed Friday by Gov. Scott Walker modifies state law concerning the manner in which long-barreled firearms, bows and crossbows can be transported in motor vehicles or placed in or on stationary vehicles.

The new law will be published in time to take effect Nov. 19, opening day of the traditional, nine-day, 2011 gun deer season.

In its essence, the new law can be boiled down to a single statement, said Tim Lawhern, DNR division of enforcement and science administrator.

“Unless otherwise prohibited, you can carry a long gun, uncased and unloaded, in or on a motor vehicle in Wisconsin at any time,” Lawhern said. The DNR has prepared a frequently asked questions on Wis. Act 51 page that available on the law enforcement pages of the DNR website.

While the law has changed, Lawhern said, there will still be many people who will continue to use a carrying case to transport unloaded firearms in motor vehicles, as hunters have been and will continue to be advised in hunter education courses.

“It’s a great way to protect your investment in your firearms,” Lawhern said.

As is always the case with a new law, Lawhern said, the first year is an educational opportunity.

DNR chief warden Randy Stark has already provided the state’s warden force with detailed instructions on the new law and its enforcement. Wardens will use a mix of enforcement, communication and education to help hunters understand and comply with the new law, Lawhern said.

“We are always ready to help people in the field, to answer their questions and to provide advice,” Lawhern said.

Here are a few things hunters might need to know about the new law:

• A caveat to the uncased long gun rule – the new legislation does not change Wisconsin law regulating the practice of shining (illuminating) wild animals at night with artificial light. It will still be illegal to possess a firearm of any kind, loaded or unloaded, while shining wild animals.
• The new law allows individuals to hunt from a stationary non-motorized vehicle, such as a hay wagon, so long as it is not attached to a motor vehicle. Previously, hunting from any vehicle was prohibited, without the distinction of whether the vehicle was motorized or stationary. This change previously had been sought by warden administrators. “People used to have to take one or more wheels off the hay wagon to comply with the letter of the law,” Lawhern said.
• It will be legal to possess and transport uncased bows and crossbows in a vehicle. However, bows may not have an arrow nocked. A crossbow may not be cocked unless it is unloaded (meaning the bolt or arrow is removed) and cased.
• When in or on a vehicle which is stationary, long guns can be both uncased and loaded. A stationary vehicle can have the motor running. “Stationary” means not moving, regardless of whether the motor is running. This allows a hunter, at a stationary vehicle, to place a loaded gun on a clean, dry surface.

Wisconsin hunters, as a group, are among the best trained and safest hunters in the world, said Lawhern. This is thanks in large part to the legions of volunteer hunter safety instructors who donate their time each year to educate new hunters.

“Our hunters have established an enviable safety record,” Lawhern said. “We fully expect the vast majority of hunters in Wisconsin will continue to use common sense and safe practices when handling firearms. For most of us, these practices have become second nature.”

Here are the four basic rules of gun safety, as taught in hunter education:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target and what’s beyond.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, DNR enforcement and science division administrator, (608) 264-6133

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