Spots available for hunter education class

AINSWORTH — Washington County Conservation has plenty of openings for its hunter education course scheduled on Aug. 26 and 27. The deadline to register is Aug. 18.

County Conservation Director Zach Rozmus said there were more seats available than usual, presenting a rare opportunity for those interested in obtaining a hunting license.

“We have more than 20 spots available,” he said in an email last week. “Typically our classes are waitlisted, this one has been slow to fill up.”

The Saturday class will happen mostly indoors as participants work through curriculum at the Conservation Education Center in Marr Park, according to a newsletter from the department. Sunday’s will be a live-fire field day at Clemons Creek Shooting Range from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The class covers a range of content required for most Iowans to purchase a hunting license. Both days are mandatory to meet the state’s certification requirements.

“Students will complete gun handling, fence crossing, and listen to an Iowa fish and game laws presentation,” the county newsletter said. “Students will have the opportunity to shoot rifles and shotguns and do archery.”

The field day does not meet the requirements of the DNR’s internet class — which has its own virtual field day course — according to the newsletter. While students who have taken the online class are still welcome at Washington County’s, they are asked to attend both days if they sign up.

Those interested can register through the Iowa DNR’s website, by navigating to the agency’s Hunter Education Program page and searching for “Washington,” or by clicking the link in the online version of this article.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com