I and six other Hunter’s Safety volunteer instructors living in Hartington,NE. taught Hunters Safety courses 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 these courses have 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 complete it.

   Taught in school gym class, with target shooting being done at the National Guard Armory.

   This gave some students the first opportunity to fire a gun.

  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, with no absences being accepted and you’d need to 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’ve learned about firearms safety.      Most courses include a live-fire exercise, under the close supervision of instructors.

  In Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota as well as other states, there is no charge for the classes, with the On-Line course being offered at a cost of $25.0 to $35.00, with these 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.

  Information on these classes can be found at HunterSafety.usa.com or Huntercourse.com  

  Classes are given by volunteer Instructors, to students 12 years or older, with the classes traditionally lasting 10 hours and given over several days.