Sportsmen's clubs provide safety classes

A bear that was killed in a collision with car provided an up-close wildlife lesson during the Hunter and Trapper Education Class.

Hunter safety and wildlife education were spotlighted during courses held recently at the clubhouses of the Austin- Costello Sportsmen and the East Fork Sportsmen.

Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Bob Miller was joined by volunteer instructors Mike Cooney, Buck Jackson and Pat Jackson, each of whom is a certified hunter/trapper education instructor. WCO Mark Fair also assisted.

Goal of the instruction is to produce safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and trappers, as well as an appreciation of wildlife and of the region's hunting and trapping heritage.

All first-time hunters and trappers must successfully complete the training before obtaining a license.

Students on Saturday had the chance to observe a black bear close up; the animal was struck and killed by an automobile the previous night. Miller extracted a tooth from the bear to educate the students on how to determine a bear's age.

One adult, Harold Carr, attended the class along with 18 children who plan to become first-time hunters. Carr required the hunter safety certification for an out-of-state hunting trip he's planning.

Others completing the course were: Nathan Kio, Nicholas VanWhy, Theron VanWhy, Cheyenne Kio, Kade Logue, Katelyn Valenti, Logan Plant, Madison Daisley, Emily Simms, Taylor Schoonover, Cameron Kockler, Sabrina Hershey, Jacob Swede, Raena Hawkins, Alex Hershey, Ben Clark, Jesse Haggard, and Joshua Owens.

Mike Cooney said he was pleased to be able to help out as an instructor.

"This is an important program for the children and adults to be involved with, not only for continuing our hunting and trapping heritage, but also for teaching about safety in the handling of guns in any situation."