Certified Hunters!

Back around 1988 the Missouri Department of Conservation decided it would be a good idea to institute Hunter Education for everyone born after January 1, 1967. Even though I had already hunted three deer seasons, I suddenly found myself faced with taking a Hunter Education class or else giving up my hunting. I took the class at age 16 along with my cousin Bud - that was back in April 1988. I passed the class, received a temporary certificate so I could purchase tags, and I received a Hunter Education patch that I still wear on my orange hunting vest to this day.

Since Michael got his first deer last year and is now 13 I decided he was ready to take the class and get certified. (Without certification you can only hunt on a youth tag in the immediate presence of an adult - with certification you can hunt in your own deer stand). I also twisted Abbey's arm and convinced her this would be a good thing to do also, even though she is not currently interested in hunting.

The class is twelve hours long so this past Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings we attended the training from 6-10 p.m. each day. It is taught by a Conservation Agent along with several guest speakers. They cover a variety of topics, including primitive weapons, survival skills, tree stand safety, and proper handling of a firearm. It is excellent training for everyone, whether a hunter or not. An 80% or better is required on the exam and Michael and Abbey both scored in the mid 90s. In the photo they stand with their patches and certificates around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night. I am so proud of them and looking forward to opening day of firearms deer season (not the youth hunt, but regular firearms deer season) with Michael. Maybe if we're lucky we'll both bag a deer on the same day!