HUNTER EDUCATION IS A GREAT FIRST STEP

 I know it's still hot, but I can feel it in my bones that fall is on the way. I saw on the weather that we're supposed to have a night-time low in the 60s later this week. Yep, fall will be here before you know it. Another reason I know fall is coming is that our Hunter Education Program is in full swing right now. Demand for classes will continue to increase from now through the end of October.

In Kansas, anyone born on or after July 1, 1957 must complete an approved hunter education course before hunting. The minimum age to be certified through the Kansas program is 11. Kids 15 and younger can hunt without hunter education certification as long as they have adult supervision. That regulation was changed so that parents could take kids hunting before committing to the 10-hour class. If they enjoy hunting, then they can find a class and enroll.

But you shouldn't look at a hunter education class as a hurdle to clear so you can go hunting. In fact, the class is a great first step, or initiation, into hunting for kids and adults. And with the internet-assisted delivery course that is getting more popular, the class is fun, too. The internet-assisted course lets students complete a portion of their studies online at their own speed. Then they will attend a field day that provides lots of hands-on activities, including trail walks, shotgun live-fire, and firearm handling. Classroom work is minimal, and students learn and have fun outside. Many will break a flying target or load a bolt-action rifle for the first time. It's a great first step to hunting.

Hunter education classes are taught by volunteer instructors who have a passion for hunting and the outdoor heritage. This passion is transferred through their dedication to teaching youngsters about hunter ethics, wildlife management, safe gun handling and more. To find a class near you, log on to the KDWPT website.