HUNTING -- Now's the time to sign up for hunter education courses if you haven't satisfied the requirements and plan to hunt for spring turkey, or even for fall seasons.  Avoid being left out in the inevitable rush that fills classes as hunting seasons draw near.

Hunter education is a prerequisite to buying a hunting license for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1975, in Idaho and anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972, in Washington.

"The overall goal of the program is the prevention of hunting and firearm related accidents, but emphasis is also placed on improving knowledge about wildlife management, the heritage of hunting, and promoting hunting ethics and responsibility," says Phil Cooper, Idaho Fish and Game Department wildlife conservation educator.

Instructor-led courses are considered the best option for youth up to age 14 and for individuals having a limited hunting background, he said.

A second option is an online course. This option is available for older students with excellent reading comprehension.  While convenient and allowing much of the course to be taken at home, the online option requires that students register for and attend a field day where a field exercise and written exam are given. 

For more information, check out the hunter education pages on the:

• Idaho Fish and Game website or the
• Washington Fish and Wildlife website.