Hunter ed course this month in Slater

Missouri Dept. of Conservation

The next hunter education course offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation is scheduled for Aug. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Slater Youth Center on Front Street in Slater.

Students must be 11 years old by Aug. 29, 2009, and attend with an adult if less than 12 years old. Enrollment may be made on-line at . The select Hunter Education Classroom Course. Attendance at all class sessions is required for hunter education certification.

Young hunters less than 13 years old or students who have trouble reading or attend special education classes in school should study the course material before classes start. It will make a big difference in their ease of passing the written test for certification.

Due to the large number of students not showing up for the course, I have stopped handing out the student manuals before the class. Nearly a third of the books handed out were never used and that was a waste of natural resources and money.

Therefore, to study the material before the course starts, go to the Department of Conservation's web site at www.mdc.mo.gov, click Hunting, click Hunter Education, and young hunters can study the material on-line.

The hunter education course materials are free, but if you wish to complete your certification by internet you must enroll in a field test, which occurs in Columbia for this area. A fee is charged for the testing. It is a convenient way of obtaining certification at your own pace and during times best suited for you.

For young hunters without access to the internet, give me a call at (660) 529-2579 and arrangements will be made for them to get a student manual.

Remember to enjoy our Missouri out-of-doors safely!