Hunters need education to apply for hunt licenses

By Don Quilici

Anyone interested in applying for 2005 Nevada big game hunting tags should note the following information:

The successful completion of a hunter education class is required in the State of Nevada for anyone who was born after Dec. 31, 1959 and who intends to purchase a Nevada hunting license.

The hunting license is required in order to apply for tags to hunt the following big game species: Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, California bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat.

All Hunter Education students must pre-register, pay a $5 course fee, obtain the necessary course materials and complete a workbook (100 percent) prior to attending their class. That fee of $5 will be collected at the beginning of the class.

The classes will be taught by either NDOW employees or volunteer instructors certified by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

Some of the subjects to be covered include the safe handling of rifles, pistols and handguns, hunter ethics, conservation, first-aid and wilderness survival.

Note: The 2005 deadline for receiving those big game applications is 5 p.m. on April 18, either through an authorized postal service or by the Internet.

Here is the schedule for Hunter Education classes being offered in Western Nevada:

• April 2 (Sat.) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Douglas County

Douglas County Sheriff's Office, 1625 8th St. in Minden.

To register, call 782-9900 anytime, Monday-Friday (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

• April 6-7 (Wed. - Thu.) (5:30 - 9 p.m.) Reno

Nevada Dept. of Wildlife Headquarters

1100 Valley Road

To register, call 688-1559.

• April 9 (Sat.) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Douglas County

Douglas County Sheriff's Office, 1625 8th St. in Minden.

To register, call 782-9900 anytime, Monday-Friday (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

• April 13-14 (Wed. - Thu.) (5:30 - 9 p.m.) Silver Springs.

To register, call Luke at (775) 291-8440.

• April 17 (Sun.) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Reno

Nevada Dept. of Wildlife Headquarters

1100 Valley Road

To register, call 688-1559.

• For Nevada Hunter Education Information, call Gail Gregg at the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 688-1559 during regular hours