Outdoor Briefs

DON'T PROCRASTINATE

Hunter education class required to pursue sport

The most difficult time for hunters to complete their mandatory hunter education class is usually just before the start of a new hunting season or the big game draw each spring.

That's because too many people wait until the last minute before signing up for a class .

"In Southern Nevada, we host about 80 classes every year, and most of those are right here in the Las Vegas area," said Doug Nielsen, conservation education supervisor for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "These classes are offered year-round at multiple locations around the valley, so there really is no need for a hunter to put the class off until a day or two before they want to go hunting and risk finding the class is already full."

Hunter education is mandatory for anyone who is born after Jan. 1, 1960, and wants to hunt in Nevada. Classes offered during the late spring and summer months tend to be less crowded than those in the fall or just before the April big game tag application deadline.

Results for the 2011 big game draw will be available on or before June 13. Anyone who wants to apply for any leftover tags should complete its hunter education requirement before that time. If there is a second tag draw, the application deadline will be June 28.

The class requires completion of pre-class work and attendance at an eight-hour class for hands-on training.

Students can meet their home study requirement by completing a workbook or one of two online courses approved by the wildlife department.

Students can pick up the workbook and the accompanying "Today's Hunter-Nevada" student manual at any wildlife department office.

These publications are available free of charge, and the workbook must be completed prior to arriving at class.

Work can be completed online at www.hunter-ed.com or www.huntercourse.com. However, these options are offered through private vendors and fees apply.

Nevada's hunter education card is reciprocal with other states and is valid in Canada, Mexico and South Africa.

For more information, visit www.ndow.org.