Hunter Education Class Available in Sandpoint

Although hunting seasons remain several months away, summer hunter education and bowhunter education classes are now forming. Due of high interest and limited space, prospective students in Bonner County are encouraged to register for classes now so they complete the required course(s) in time to buy a license to hunt this fall. Volunteer instructors who themselves enjoy participating in hunting teach the classes. As a result, there will not be last minute classes taught after the start of hunting seasons in September. Several hunter education classes have been scheduled in the Sandpoint area for June, July, and August. A few spaces remain in bowhunter education classes in Coeur d'Alene. In Sandpoint, you may register for classes at the Sandpoint Recreation Department, 1123 Lake St., 263-3613. The registration deadline for the next Sandpoint hunter education class is 5 pm, June 4. Call the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), at 769-1414, to register for hunter education and bowhunter education classes in the Coeur d'Alene area. Hunter education classes are available to anyone 9 years of age and older. Ten year olds who have completed the class are eligible to hunt small game. At twelve years of age, big game may be hunted. All students aged 10-17 who successfully complete the class will receive a free hunting license for the current year. Nine year olds will receive a birthday card and a free hunting license on or around their tenth birthday. Idaho state law requires all persons born after January 1, 1975 attend and successfully complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. All new bowhunters, regardless of date of birth, are required to complete the Bowhunter Education course to purchase an archery validation. Fees for each course are $8.00. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children and participate in the entire program. Several states require hunter education certification for persons of all ages to purchase a hunting license, so anyone who may potentially hunt outside of Idaho may find the need for a hunter education card. IDFG has also scheduled a youth hunting clinic for Saturday, June 26 at Farragut State Park. Participants will learn about shotgunning, rifle shooting, muzzleloading, archery hunting, tracking, conservation ethics and the hunting heritage. The 11th annual "Women in Hunting" class will be held by IDFG on Saturday, August 14 in Coeur d'Alene. Taught by and for women only, this class will cover firearm shooting and safety, map and compass, outdoor skills, wilderness survival, archery, hunt preparation, game care and cooking, and wildlife conservation. For more information or to register for the clinics or women's class, contact the IDFG Panhandle Region office, 769-1414.