With hunter application season upon us, hunter education classes are in full swing throughout the state of Idaho.
Idaho Fish and Game offers instructor-led classes to anyone age 10 or older, and anyone wishing to hunt or fish in Idaho who's born after January 1, 1975, is required to complete a hunter education course to obtain a certificate.
Most classes are taught by volunteers, which is why Upper Snake regional communications manager James Brower says people should attend.
"Typically, our instructor-led classes are in pretty high demand because that's the hands-on instruction where you get face-to-face with an instructor," Brower said. "They get to do some practical gun-handling skills and that kind of thing."
Most classes typically have around 20 students on average. Aside from the in-person instruction, Brower says in-person classes are also more affordable than the online alternative.
And of course, they come with some fun instructors, too.
"The favorite part is usually the interaction with the instructors," Brower said. "We have a cadre of characters so most of those hunter ed instructors have been hunting for a very long time and they have a lot of knowledge and quite honestly, most of them are pretty funny. They have some fun stories to tell. The in-person classes are kind of an advantage because those students are able to ask questions and get them answered pretty quickly."
There are multiple classes starting in southeast Idaho, including in Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
Classes in Pocatello start on Monday, March 16. They will be in the Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office and will run from 6-9 p.m.
In Idaho Falls, there is a trapper certification class beginning on Saturday, March 28 in the Centennial Room.
Classes cost $8 plus fees in person, or $38 online.
For more information just visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.