Summer School for You

And you thought all you had to do was take a Hunter Education course and be ready to go? That might be so, but for those of us who didn't grow up hunting wild game, or who don't have friends or family that can teach us the finer points of hunting, there is help.

And you probably paid for it already through your taxes.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance recommends that hunters should check out what's available this summer, before the seasons begin this fall, and educate themselves about the game they will be pursuing. It mentions that California teaches wild boar hunting, and if you can't take the class, you can find a 41-page booklet online. That's not all California offers to hunters. It also provides clinics in hunting other game species, such as wild turkeys, upland game, waterfowl and big game.

Another example is Pennsylvania, which offers advanced courses in Successful Bowhunting, Successful Turkey Hunting, and Successful Furtaking. It even includes a more advanced class on Cable Restraint Certification for trappers.

In addition, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation is offering Waterfowl ID courses this summer. With prospects looking great for this fall's waterfowl season, now's the time to learn how to identify the various breeds of waterfowl before tucking into a blind.

I think it's a great idea. I'm actually thinking about learning to trap coyotes, when I'm not hunting them. I think I'll check that out next week.

How about you? What clinic would you take if offered?