FROM STAFF REPORTS

Passing on hunting heritage and positively influencing young Alabama hunters to be safe while afield is extremely important to many seasoned hunters.

The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries needs assistance in protecting hunting heritage by passing on the finer points of being a safe, responsible hinter. Volunteer instructors play a critical role in delivering the hunter education message to the 12,000 students who successfully complete an approved hunter education course annually in Alabama.

An instructor class will be held June 30 in Columbiana from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The efforts of Hunter Education Instructors have led to a significant decline in the hunting accident rate during the past two weeks.

Becoming a certified Alabama Hunter Education Instructor is a two-step process that requires the instructor candidates to complete an Associate Hunter Education Instructor application and successfully complete the hunter education certification workshop. Instructor certification workshops are usually held in June, July and August each year. All instructor applicants must be at least 21 years of age, enjoy working with young people and believe in and practice safe, responsible hunting and “fair chase.”

Additional information about becoming a hunter education instructor can be found online at OutdoorAlabama.com/hunting/education/instructor.