text: July 19, 2010
  Take A Hunter Education Course This Summer
  The sweltering heat of summer is upon us, but it won't be long before cooler weather arrives and our thoughts turn to hunting. If you're a new hunter or you're planning to take someone on a first hunt this fall, the National Shooting Sports Foundation reminds you that summer is the perfect time to take a hunter education course and acquire the certification necessary to purchase a hunting license.
  July, August and September are popular months to enroll in hunter ed classes. Check with your state's wildlife agency to find a class that is convenient for you to attend, keeping in mind that a class may take up to 16 to 18 hours to complete. A commitment to multiple evenings or a weekend will be necessary depending on the state you live in and the course you take, though the investment in time will be well worth it. The NSSF website www.huntinfo.org provides links to each state's wildlife agency and can help you locate a class.
  In nearly every state, proof of having taken a hunter education course usually is required to purchase a hunting license. Requirements do vary, however, so prospective hunters should check with their state's agency.
  "It is the duty of every sportsman and woman to hunt safely and responsibly, and the best way to understand how to accomplish that is by taking a hunter education course," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president. "Taking a course is not just for inexperienced hunters. The class can serve as a good refresher for veteran hunters about their state's regulations and a reminder about showing respect for wildlife, the land and other hunters.
  A number of NSSF education brochures are used in hunter education courses, including "Firearms Safety Depends on You," "Hunter Ethics" and "The Hunter and Conservation." These and other materials, including firearm safety and wildlife conservation videos, are available at www.nssf.org.
  Read NSSF's press release about taking a hunter education couse.