News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
February 22, 2006
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Tom Flynn, Hunter Ed Coordinator: (603) 271-3214 
Lisa Collins, Hunter Ed Secretary, (603) 271-3214 
Jane Vachon, Media Liaison, (603) 271-3211
February 22, 2006 


HUNTER EDUCATION -- ALWAYS IN SEASON

CONCORD, N.H. -- The next few months are a great time to get in a 
hunter education class, which is required for all first-time New Hampshire 
hunters age 16 and older. Sign up now for one of many Hunter Education, 
Bowhunter Education or trapper education classes currently listed at 
the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunter_ed_schedule.htm, or call 
(603) 271-3214. 

New Hampshire law requires all hunters who purchase a hunting license 
to show either a previous hunting license (from any state), or a Hunter 
Education certification card. 

"Don't put it off. Most hunter education classes are offered now 
through the spring and summer months. By getting your hunter education class 
out of the way early, you'll have more time to spend preparing for this 
fall's hunting season by scouting, practicing your marksmanship skills, 
and booking accommodations for that dream hunt!" said Tom Flynn, Hunter 
Education Coordinator for N.H. Fish and Game.

March and April classes are especially helpful for new hunters 
interested in taking part in the spring gobbler season, which runs from May 3 
through May 31 in New Hampshire. The 2006 Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend 
is set for April 29 and 30. Only youth age 15 and younger may hunt on 
the youth weekend; they must hold a turkey permit and be accompanied by 
an adult with a valid New Hampshire hunting license. 

Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education classes are open to all ages; 
participants must be at least 12 years of age by the end of the course 
to be eligible for certification. "It's a good idea to get kids into a 
class at a young age, before they get caught up in other activities of 
youth. A hunter education course, like hunting itself, is a great 
family activity," adds Sean Williamson, who manages Fish and Game's Owl 
Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. 

Another option for meeting the hunter education requirement, available 
for those 16 and older, is studying at home. Participants in the home 
study option do the coursework on their own, then attend a required 
field day involving a written exam and field skills testing. Note that 
there are specific registration dates for home study, and space is limited. 
Signup deadlines and locations of field testing for available sessions 
are listed at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunter_ed_homestudy.htm.

Each year, Fish and Game holds about 130 classes for basic hunter, 
bowhunter and trapper education at fish and game clubs, camps and other 
facilities around the state, taught by more than 550 trained volunteer 
instructors. More than 3,000 people participate in these courses in New 
Hampshire each year. 

The basic Hunter Education course includes about 16 hours of 
instruction, consisting of classroom work and field experiences, often including 
firing on a shooting range. Courses are taught by trained, certified 
volunteer instructors according to national guidelines and state 
standards. Participants learn about safe firearms handling; wildlife 
identification; game trailing, recovery and care; hunter ethics and 
responsibility; outdoor safety and survival skills; and map and compass skills. 

Hunter Education instruction and course materials are provided free of 
charge. Some classes may charge a nominal facilities fee, up to a $2 
maximum. Fish and Game's Hunter Education courses are funded by the 
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.

For more information on hunter education in New Hampshire, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunter_ed.htm or call (603) 
271-3214. 


Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.