Hunter education classes teach ethics
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
By Tom Fieber for the Valley Journal
Each year we have new people that look forward to joining family or friends in the outdoors — some through hunting, fishing, hiking, viewing birds and other wildlife, photography, harvesting berries, mushrooms or sometimes just solitude. Activities in the outdoors seem endless and each person develops their own personal reasons.
We as hunters are required to take classes that teach us ethics and responsibility. Along with that we learn about firearm safety, survival skills, wildlife management, conservation, habitat, respect for wildlife and landowners. We have some students take the class just to see what it is about with no intention of ever hunting. Upon completion of the course students are certified to purchase hunting licenses and apply for concealed weapons permits.
Over the past few years we’ve had students from other parts of the world that have taken the class, one each from Norway and Thailand. Idaho and Washington students have taken classes also. I certainly encourage adults to attend classes with the students and share that time with them.
Giving young people a chance to take part in the out-of-doors is not always easy. As a Hunting Ed Instructor I see many that have a desire to learn about the outdoors. Many youths are from broken or non-hunting families that have no adults that take the time to get them started. Sometimes it only takes one person to give them that chance. Seems each year we have someone who steps up and does just that. Be it a grandparent, family member or just a mentor, they take the time to get the students into a class and accompany them through the whole course.
Camilla Ross from Ronan is one. Not only did Camilla bring one student, but as the students’ guardian, added two more. Would they have had the chance to take this class without her? I doubt it. Not only did she bring the students to each class and the field day but she joined them. With no intention of getting certified, she was just supporting these young men. When it came time for the final exam, with a little prodding, she agreed to take the test herself. Sailing through the test with 100 percent she earned her Hunter Education Certificate.
Raymond Winchester and KeAndru Devereaux-Trahan of Ronan and Na Amornpond Sukchaichana from Thailand were all beaming with pride when we presented Camilla her surprise certificate and achievement award. I am sure that these young men will remember this for years to come. This is one reason we volunteer to be a part of this program. Thank you, Camilla, from hunter education instructors across the state.
We are planning classes for the coming 2016 spring class but all dates have not yet been set. We hope to have a class in the Ronan/Pablo area soon. Watch for future dates. These classes are open to everyone 10 years and older to be certified.
Shawn Morgan will be hosting a class for students that wish to be certified before the Big Game drawing deadline on March 15. This class is for those families mainly and limited to 12 students.
(See information at upper right.)
Later in March will be offering additional classes for all students. Shawn’s class will be held at Westland Seed from March 8-12. Go to www.fwp.gov to preregister and for more information.
For more information on this class contact Shawn Morgan, 406-676-4100 or shawnpmorgan@ymail.com
For information on other classes contact Tom Fieber, 406-250-3386 or tfieber@bresnan.net
