The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has openings in several hunter education classes coming up in late February and March, including courses in Hermiston and Irrigon.
“Spring is a great time to take hunter education,” says James Reed, ODFW hunter education coordinator. “Many classes are available and it’s well before the fall rush. Students who take a March class could even get certified in time for spring turkey season (April 15-May 31).”
Hunter education students can take the course in a conventional classroom setting or by completing a workbook or online course. Independent study students (who take the workbook or online class) must also participate in a field day.
Conventional hunter education classes available:
Banks (Washington County) – March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 (Banks Fire District)
Beavercreek – March 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13 (Beavercreek Grange Hall)
Bend – March 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19 (Bend High School International Wing)
Hermiston – March 3, 4, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 24 (VFW Hall)
Irrigon – March 3, 5, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 (AC Houghton Elementary School)
Lane County – March 14 and 21 (Noti and Creswell)
Molalla – March 2, 4, 9, 10, 11 (Molalla Fire Station)
Salem – March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 (Four Corners Rod and Gun Club)
Field days (for independent students who have completed their workbook or online education course):
Albany/Shedd – March 7 (Albany Rifle and Pistol Club)
Enterprise – Feb. 28 (Eagle Cap Shooters Association)
Hillsboro – March 21 (Hillsboro Trap and Skeet)
Knappa – March 14 (BKS Sportsmen’s Club)
Keno – Feb. 28 (Klamath Sportsman’s Park)
La Grande – March 28 (Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area)
Roseburg, March 21 (Roseburg Rod & Gun Club)
Salem/Gervais – March 1 (Mid-Valley Clays)
All classes and field days are listed on the ODFW’s license sales page. See online directions on how to register for a hunter education class.
Hunter education is required for all hunters under the age of 18 and encouraged for adults, too. The classes cover important issues including hunter ethics and respect for private landowners; wildlife management and identification; firearms handling and safety; hunt preparation and techniques; survival; and introductory bowhunting.
All classes are taught by certified volunteers dedicated to passing on the tradition of hunting to future generations. These volunteer instructors teach and certify about 6,500 students statewide each year in hunter education.
More information, contact Michelle Dennehy at 503-947-6022 or e-mail her at michelle.n.dennehy@state.or.us.
