by Conservation Agent Mike Terhune
All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967 must pass a certified Hunter Safety Class to purchase a hunting permit in Missouri. This includes deer and turkey tags as well as the small game hunting permit.
There will be a Hunter Safety course offered to anyone who needs one Oct. 7 and 8, at the V.F.W., in Stockton. The course will start at 6 p.m. on the 7th and last until 9:30 p.m. We will start up again at 8 a.m. on the 8th and finish up around 3:30 p.m. This is a 10 hours class and you must be there both days to be certified.
The V.F.W. will provide lunch for all that attend the class on Saturday the 8th. The class is free of charge and is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the V.F.W.
Hunters will be taught about safe gun handling, proper clothing to wear when hunting, wildlife law enforcement, game management, ethics, proper sight picture, types of guns and actions, proper ammunition and some history about firearms and hunting in Missouri. There will be a test given at the end of the course and you have to get 80 percent or better to pass the course. This course is recognized in other states that require a hunter safety course.
Pre-registration is required, but you must be 11 years old or older to take the class.
To pre-register go to www.mdc.mo.gov or missouriconservation.org. Go to Education and to Hunter Education and find a Hunter Education class.
Please bring a pencil or pen to take notes with. A Hunter Safety Book will be provided and you get to keep this for future reference.
If you have any questions about the course you can call Conservation Agent Mike Terhune at 276-3750 or Conservation Agent Derek Farwell at 276-6930.
