Hunter safety course offered

I know it?s hard to think about hunting with the weather as hot as it is but with hunting season just around the corner it?s about time to start thinking about hunter safety. If you have a son or daughter you will be hunting with you this fall or if you are planning a hunting trip out of state, now is the time to register for the first hunting safety course this fall.

To take the course you must be at least 9 years of age on the day of the course. Since more and more people are traveling out west each year on hunting trips, we encourage parents to attend the course with their child. Many states require completion of a hunter safety course for all ages, whereas Tennessee only requires it for those hunters born after Jan. 1, 1969. The course consists of training in areas such as wildlife management, home firearm safety, first aid, and knowledge of firearms and archery, muzzleloaders and other useful information. The courses are free of charge and students need to bring a pencil and their social security number to the first night of class. For more information on these classes, e-mail me at twraatblomand.net. For information on more classes being offered in the area check out the agency?s website at www.tnwildlife.org .

Below is a list of the courses that are being offered in this area. New classes are being scheduled in each county so contact your local wildlife officer for more information about newly formed classes. You can also e-mail me at twraatblomand.net for an up to date listing of available courses.

White County ? Bridgestone/Firestone WMA. Two- day course. August 18 (5:00 ? 9:00 p.m.) and August 19 (9:00 a.m. ? 6:00 p.m.). Register Friday, August 18 at 5:00 p.m. MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS. Jon Ryan, instructor (738-9892). For further information, call Bridgestone/Firestone WMA at 931-935-3280.

Warren County ? Warren County Administrative Building, August 21st ? 26th , 6:00pm ? 9:00pm each night, No Preregistration Required, Bring Pencil and Social Security Number to Class First Night. Instructor: Ed Griffin. For more info contact Ed at 931-473-4316 or Joey Wray at 931-686-8972 or e-mail at twraatblomand.net

Warren County ? Warren County Administrative Building, September 25th ? 30th , 6:00pm ? 9:00pm each night, No Preregistration Required, Bring Pencil and Social Security Number to Class First Night. Instructor: Joey Wray/Roy Cannon. For more info contact Joey Wray at 931-686-8972 or Roy Cannon at 931-815-2600 or e-mail at twraatblomand.net