Free hunter education classes available in Lake County

Montana hunting seasons are just around the corner, and many are making plans to get ready for the upcoming fall. More and more people are looking forward to spending time in outdoor pursuits.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks, in conjunction with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, are offering free hunter education classes this summer and fall.

The classes appeal to many who are seeking knowledge and confidence to take part in the outdoors, not just hunting.

Many are concerned about personal safety while in the field and carry firearms or bear spray. Learn how to avoid encounters and what is recommended in case you do. Wildlife and people can be a threat and need to be taken seriously; each year the growing grizzly bear population has expanded to almost all areas in western Montana. Multiple maulings occur each year, and deaths are not uncommon. Although rare, mountain lion and wolf attacks do happen. Bison attacks also take lives. Learn what you can and take precautions.

Over the past year online classes were available and many took advantage of them. Instructors have been getting requests from parents to start offering in-person again for a more in-depth learning experience. However, with the online version still being offered, it’s unclear how many students would be willing to attend. Instructors are hoping to get enough students registering online to offer in-person classes again. Those interested should call Tom Fieber at 406-250-3386 or Dillon Tabish of FWP at 406-752-5501 so the demand can be assessed.

In-person classes offer classroom instruction and a field day that encompasses actual firearm handling, shooting and safety. Classes stress hunters’ responsibilities and ethics so that students know how to respect the habitat, the wildlife, other hunters, the public and land owners.

Visit fwp.mt.gov/education to learn more.