5/23/2007

Hunter Safety class in DeSoto County
Contact: John Weatherholt (863) 648-3200

Florida law requires hunters born on or after June 1, 1975 who have reached their 16th birthday to complete a hunter safety course in order to purchase a hunting license. If you are planning to hunt this season and you have not taken a state-approved hunter safety course, don’t wait.

For those who plan to hunt out of state with a firearm, Florida’s Hunter Safety Program meets legal requirements for mandated hunter safety training in all states and Canadian provinces. The free, 16-hour course covers a variety of topics, such as firearm safety, bowhunting, survival and wildlife management. Students receive hands-on experience firing a .22 rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and bow and arrow.

Students must pre-register to participate in Florida’s free Hunter Safety Program by contacting the FWC’s Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200 or by registering online at MyFWC.com/huntered/ and following the links.

Location: Arcadia Family Service Center - 310 W. Whidden St.

Dates: June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 and 26 (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) with range day to be determined

Times: 7-9:30 p.m. each day