In addition to learning the fundamentals of shooting and hunting ethics, students must demonstrate that they know how to safely carry a firearm through the woods and that they know the basics of tree stand safety. This class passed the 50-question written test and completed the field day activities to earn their hunter safety certification.
In order to buy a license to take wild animals with a firearm in Minnesota, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1979, must have a Firearms Safety Education Certificate. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers courses to certify students. The courses cover safe use of firearms and tree stands, hunting laws, wildlife identification and management, fundamentals of shooting, hunting ethics, landowner relations, and survival. Courses are conducted statewide by certified volunteer instructors with assistance from DNR conservation officers. Instructors certify that students pass a written test and field exercises.
The youth classroom course is designed for ages 11-15, but can accept adults also. As in past years, the course was offered in Grand Marais in April. Cook County Community Education advertised the course and collected fees. Cook County Community Center provided free classroom space. Seven 105- minute classes were held after school, April 11 to May 4. The DNR provided instructional materials, ammunition, targets, and eye and ear protection. Donations from local residents and The Sons of The American Legion paid for firearms and shooting range accessories. Rob Staples generously made his property available for field exercises.
Volunteer instructors in 2016 were Mariano Arguedas, Paul Eiler, Dave Ingebrigtsen, Rick Johnson, and Ann Sullivan. Conservation Officer Thomas Wahlstrom also gave a classroom presentation. Class size has declined from 40 students 20 years ago to eight students this year: Anna Ahonen, Abraham Avery, Josiah Avery, Daniel Deschampe, Paul Dorr, Destiny French, Savanna Shepard, and Jack Wilson. All students passed the 50-question written test.
Field exercises were held May 7. The day started warm and sunny, but strong wind (usual at this site) and cloud cover prevailed as the 2.5-hour training ended. Students fired .22 cal. rifles at targets, practiced handling rifles and shotguns safely in simulated hunting situations, and learned how to safely use a tree stand. Adults who brought students and remained during the exercises reviewed hunting regulations with CO Wahlstrom. Participating students passed the field exercises and accepted a compass from The Sons of The American Legion and a blaze-orange vest from a previous donor. Students who complete classroom and field requirements can log onto the DNR website to record information from their registration form, pay the certification fee, and print a certificate.
Adults wishing to review firearm and hunting safety are encouraged to read a student’s workbook, view videos available in the Grand Marais Library, or investigate the training options listed on the DNR website.
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