Register for Hunter Education Classes Soon

With hunting season just a few weeks off, time is running short for would-be hunters to take a hunter education class. In the Magic Valley, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is offering classes in Twin Falls, Filer, Buhl, Rupert, Jerome, Hailey and Kimberly. Most classes begin within the next two weeks, and seating is limited so students are urged to register as soon as possible. Classes are available in all regions of the state. Anyone born after January 1, 1975, must complete a hunter education course to buy an Idaho hunting license or show proof that they previously held a valid hunting license in Idaho or another state. Hunter and bowhunter education classes are available as a home study course and on the Internet, but all hunters also must participate in a field day to complete the course. Students interested in registering for a class are asked to stop by their local Fish and Game office. Registration requires an address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number for each student. The cost is $8 per student. Students aged from 10-17 years old completing the class will receive a free small game hunting license for this year's hunting season. Students 12 and older wishing to hunt big game this fall must upgrade to a junior hunting license. Cost for the upgrade is $3.75 at any Fish and Game office. But don't wait for the season to start, classes are filling up and the hunter education volunteers would rather be out hunting when the season opens. For more information, call 324-4359 or any regional Fish and Game office or check online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/education/hunter_ed/.