As I and six other Hunter’s Safety volunteer instructors living in Hartington, having taught Hunters Safety courses of for over 22 years, we’ve seen an average of 30 youths and adults attending our classes each fall.

The first Hunters Safety course held was held in New York in 1949.

It’s known that this course has helped to reduce hunting accidents and continues to do so.

Even though hunting is one of the safest sports you can participate, in some states the Hunters Safety course is required that all hunters take the course.

When I was a kid in Watertown, S.D. once you reached a certain age, 11, you were required to take it, it was taught in school in gym class, with target shooting being done at the National Guard Armory, where some students had never fired a gun before.

These classes are given by volunteer Hunters Education (IHEA) instructors and to be certified, students must: present and participate in all the required sessions. Attend all scheduled course meetings. No absences will be accepted. Pass a written test at the end of the course. Students are also evaluated on their skills and attitude throughout the course and demonstrated what they have learned about firearms safety. Most courses include a live-fire exercise, under the close supervision of instructors.

In Nebraska and South Dakota as well as other states, there is no charge for the classes, the On-Line course is offered at a cost of $29.50, with the courses generally taking about 4-6 hours to complete.

Each state has its on-line test information, with each state having similar requirements as they follow the IHEA guidelines.

In Nebraska classes being held can be found https:// www.ihea-usa.org/find-acourse/?state=null&course=null.

South Dakota has both the online and class courses, known as the Hunt SAFE program, a free, classroom-style course allows students to participate in multiple in-person sessions; providing participants with knowledge and skills relative to hunting and hunter safety. Their Hunt Safe classes can be found at https://gfp.sd.gov/ hunter-education/ The classes are given by volunteer Instructors, to students of 11 years or older, with the classes traditionally lasting 10 hours and given over several days.

To be eligible for certification, students must: be present and participate in all the required sessions, all scheduled course meetings. No absences will be accepted, pass a written test at the end of the course. Students are also evaluated on their skills and attitude throughout the course and demonstrate what they’ve learned about firearms safety. Most courses include a live-fire exercise, under the close supervision of instructors.

Upon completion of the final test, a TEMPORARY Hunter Education Certificate is given out.

After successfully completing the online course, you’ll be able to immediately print out your TEMPORARY Hunter are listed and by the https://www. hunter-ed.com/ for all sates, in Nebraska.

Hunter’s Safety Course is an excellent way to learn and become a safe hunter.