Hunter education class scheduled Oct. 21-22 in Haxtun

    In the state of Colorado, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, must complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license. In Nebraska, the requirement is for anyone from 12-29 years of age. All U.S. states accept certification issued through other state conservation or wildlife agencies, including Colorado Parks & Wildlife and Nebraska Game and Parks.  
    The next area hunter education class being offered is in Haxtun on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22, just in time for pheasant season. Hunters of any age, whether required or not, are encouraged to take an education course. According to Colorado Parks & Wildlide, hunter education is a “valuable program for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and has an interest in conservation.”
    In addition to enabling safe hunting and firearm practices, hunter education covers a variety of topics, including wildlife management and identification, laws and regulations, and ethics. Classes can help hunters be more successful in their hunts as well. Regardless of the state, the purpose of hunter education is to encourage safe, legal and responsible hunters.
    The Haxtun course will be taught by Ron Kilgour and held at the Haxtun Gun Club, Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5:30 p.m. It will include a written test and a live fire exercise.
    In the years since Colorado made hunter education mandatory in 1970, nearly one million students have passed the course and hunting incidents and fatalities have decreased.
    In Colorado, bowhunting classes are not required, but they are available. In Nebraska, however, bowhunter education is required for all hunters 12-29 who hunt deer, elk, antelope or mountain sheep with bow and arrow or crossbow.
    For the most up-to-date information on hunter education requirements and classes being offered in Colorado, visit http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/HunterEducation.aspx. For Nebraska information, visit http://outdoornebraska.gov/huntereducation/.

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