Learn to shoot, shoot to learn

WORTHINGTON -- I would have a hard time trying to come up with the number of topics that have been covered in this column.

The topics have ranged from four wheeling in the Black hills to shark fishing in the Florida Keys.

The outdoors is my passion, and I hope that my health will allow me to enjoy those opportunities right up until the day I die.

One subject you might not think exciting, but I think is probably one of the most important, are the programs that are required to get youth involved in outdoors pursuits.

The one program that is required before any child, age 12 or older, is allowed to hunt in this state is the Minnesota DNR required Firearms Safety Class.

I have been an instructor for this program for 10 years. I also work with Tim Tripp, Lonny Johnson, and Wayne Samp. I have said it before that this class should be required of every child regardless if they intend to hunt or not. After a young person has taken the class they have the knowledge to know what to do around firearms and others that might be handling them.

Who would think that this information would be bad to know?

The classes are held all over the state by hundreds of volunteer instructors in almost every town. Worthington's class usually has about 50 participants and is held at exactly the same time every year.

The dates for this year's class, as they are every year, are the first three Tuesdays and Thursdays in April. This year's instruction will take place at the Minnesota West Community and Technical College, in the Fine Arts Building. The cost is $8, and you can register the first night of class. The time goes from 7-9 p.m. and almost perfect attendance is required.

There also are other ways for adults that want or need the class to receive the certification without hanging out with fifty 12-15-year-olds. Just send a note to rall@frontiernet.net , and I will help you get what you need.

In firearm safety, the rules regarding archery are only briefly touched on. That is where the next safety class was born at that is called the Advanced Bow Hunter Education Course, and it just so happens that one of those is in the works as well.

I told you about the South West Bow Benders a few weeks back, and they are hosting this class from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 29th. This class will be taught at their location one mile south of Worthington on Nobles 57.

Older adults can hunt small game in most states, but if you want to bow hunt out of state, then this class is required in order to buy a license in many places. The cost is a mere $8 and you must pre-register by calling John Steinle at 507-842-5426 before March 26th. Space is limited for this class, so register early.

There is no way to convey what its like to see the sparkle in the eyes of a youth, or even an adult for that matter, when they share their stories or their anticipation for their adventures to come. It's this satisfaction that keeps instructors volunteering like Marv Tripp who taught the firearms class in Worthington for the better part of 50 years. Marv touched a lot of lives.

Parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children receive this important training, and for the parents that attend with their child, they have nothing but good things to say.

Spring is here and fall will be here before you know it. Don't be one of those who call me in October when it's too late to do anything about it before hunting season starts.