Hunting Safety School Offered in Pelham

by Lynne Ober                    April 15, 2005

   Under the auspices of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the Pelham Fish and Game Club offers a variety of training programs.  “I never have to worry about whether the program is thorough or not, if it’s offered here in Pelham,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer Mike Watson.  “I know that it will be done right.”

   Currently thirty people  - one woman and twenty-nine men – are enrolled in Hunter Education.  “We just finished a Bow Hunter Education program that had sixty-five people enrolled,” said Mitchell E. Kopacz.

   During a recent class, students were asked questions about their homework.  Each had a thick manual and was expected to have completed their homework.  In many ways it sounded like a high school English class.  Students were reminded that they were responsible for completing their homework and for knowing the concepts.  “You can’t just read from the book in class,” urged their instructor.

   Under the watchful eye of Watson, they listened to the concepts and worked problems.  At one point there was a reminder lesson about why no alcohol or drugs if you want to hunt.  “They need to have that lesson reinforced,” said Watson, “especially the younger ones.  It’s a lesson that has to be drilled home during their training.  Hunting is a serious sport that can have serious consequences if people don’t take responsibility for their actions.”