Learn more about hunting

It would seem that there exists a declining population of hunters in this current day we are living. At least it appears that way. Based on the statistics that bear out that the percentage of hunters across the country and here in Ohio, it has been on the decrease since the 1960s. Even so, hunting still remains a long-standing tradition among a group of people, all with a common and deep-rooted heritage passed on from one generation to the next. For many, hunting is a privilege with some referring to it as an entitlement that should never be denied. One individual shared her conviction like this: "Being a hunter means belonging to a group of people ultimately connected to the land. Together we care for the land and keep populations in check." Want to go? Hunting remains a favored pastime for many with every new season eagerly anticipated. Now perhaps you are new to this tradition and would like to learn more about it. One of the best ways to find out more about the important role of a hunter is to sign up for an Ohio Hunter Education Course. The Huron Township Conservation Club will be hosting a hunter education course from 8 a.m. o 5 p.m. on Saturday. Topics covered throughout the day will include: • Hunter safety • The various types of equipment a hunter may need • The importance of wildlife management • The proper care of the wild game harvested • Exhibiting the best possible hunter ethics Upon completion of this course, you will be given a test that will assess the knowledge you have acquired. You will then receive your very own Ohio Hunter Education certification card, which will come in handy when purchasing your next hunting license here in Ohio and when meeting the requirement when hunting out of state. There is no fee to take this course, however, with seating being somewhat limited, pre-registration is highly recommended. You can sign up at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife's website. Click on the "hunter education" link, then "hunter education course," then "find a course near you," then "classroom" option, then find the Huron Township Conservation Club course and enter the required personal information. For any hunter education questions you may have, contact myself, Tim White, wildlife specialist at the Erie Conservation District. You can also reach out to your county wildlife officer or the regional wildlife division office in Findlay at 419-424-5000.