It has been years since I went to my Hunter’s Education class, but I can still remember vividly what the experience was like. I remember who my instructors were, as well as taking the test in order to pass the class. I can even remember getting my first chance to shoot at clay pigeons at the course. All of these memories were brought back this weekend because Jeff took his troop of boys to their first hunter safety classes.

One boy is already of age to hunt, and through the apprenticeship program that Michigan now has, was able to get out last year and try turkey and deer hunting. The other boy can finally hunt for the first time this year since Michigan lowered their minimum age requirement to hunt big game with a bow to 10. He is pumped and ready to go that is for sure. The youngest still has a few years left before he can hunt, but Jeff thought it was a wise idea to get him into the program while his brother’s were taking it also. They can never be too young to get interested in hunting, that is for sure. Whether it be actually hunting or learning safe hunting techniques, I don’t feel that there is a minimum age.

All the boys had a great time and passed their exams. They taught the kids how to cross a fence safely, and had a nice fence demo set up to help the boys with that. They also had the boys carry “mock” guns and walk in a line, to simulate bird hunting, and taught them how to stay together, communicate, and depending on which way the bird flushed, who was the first shooter, and the second, and so on.

I honestly didn’t have quite that much direction at my hunter’s safety class, but I had a brother, dad, and uncle who taught me the proper and safe ways to hunt. I think it is great that the boys got to learn safe hunting practices while also being able to simulate the real thing as well.

The local Pheasant’s forever chapter put this hunter’s safety course together, and I am really impressed with all they have done. The entire course was free, and they even supplied the kids with breakfast, lunch, and a snack at no charge. They also roped Jeff into helping out a little bit as you can tell from one of the pictures.

The kids had a great time and hopefully we will be able to celebrate with all of them on their first safe, and clean kill!

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