Hunter safety classes for spring of 2009 are beginning soon. I’m reminded of a friend who had the unique experience of taking the classes with his curious but decidedly urban mother in attendance. She wanted to see what the classes were like.
My friend’s story: After a lengthy discussion during class about the different regulations for cow and bull elk, my friend’s mother stood up and, clearly outraged, demanded that the instructor quit suggesting that students shoot cows. The instructor patiently explained to her that these were not milk cows that go “moo,” but they were cow elk. There is no way to properly quantify the full-body embarrassment that this inflicted upon my 12-year-old friend.
My own hunter safety experience was less eventful, but no less instructive. These are important classes. With that said, here is the complete press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks with the class schedules for Northwest Montana:
Spring hunter education classes have been scheduled for some communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana. The minimum age for hunting in Montana is 12. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to sign the registration form.
Columbia Falls: Registration is Tuesday, February 24, 6-8 p.m.; and Thursday, February 26, 6-8 p.m. at the Council Chambers at City Hall in Columbia Falls. Classes are scheduled at the Columbia Falls High School from 7-9 p.m. on March 12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, and 30; field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Contact: Wade Fish or Penny Fish at 862-6359.
Whitefish: Registration is Saturday, February 28, noon-4 p.m. and Tuesday, March 3, 5-8 p.m., and all at the Whitefish City Library. Classes are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. at the Whitefish Central School on March 9, 10,12,16,17, 19, and 23; the field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 21. Lead Instructor is Leonard Howke, 862-4091.
Kalispell: Registration is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at FWP Headquarters on North Meridian Road in Kalispell. Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Flathead High School on April 20, 21, 22, 23, and 27; the field course is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. A special adult course will be held on the same schedule. Call FWP at 752-5501 for more information. Lead Instructor: Andy Breland, 212-1183.
Marion: Registration is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 7 p.m. sharp, at the Marion Fire Hall. The course runs from 6-9 p.m. at the Marion Fire Hall on May 11, 12, 13, 14; the field course and test is Saturday, May 16. Contact: Gerry Hurst, 854-9399.
Libby: Registration, Libby Middle School, Thursday, February 12, 7-9 p.m.; Classes, 7-9 p.m. on February 17, 18, 19, 24, 25; field course Saturday, February 21. Contact: Challis Crismore, 293-4562.
Plains: Registration and first night of class is Monday, March 23, 6-9 p.m. at Plains High School. Classes continue from 6-9 p.m. on March 24, 25, 26, 27; field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Contact: Wayne Crismore, 826-5139.
Thompson Falls: Register by calling Jerry Shively at 827-3666. Classes are scheduled at the Thompson Falls Community Center, 6-9 p.m., on March 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27; field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 28.