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State's hunters classes in store for GriggsA bit of melancholy usually haunts hunting season's end as we put away the decoys, shotguns, rifles - and memories - for at least a few months. However, for those who haven't yet savored the sights and sounds of the shooting sports, the future still is full of wonder, with perhaps a tinge of apprehension. Not to worry. But actually it all begins simply enough by sitting on chair a few evenings attending a state-mandated hunter education course. Under state law, all first-time Washington hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 are required to show proof that they have successfully completed basic hunter education training before purchasing a hunting license. The classes, designed to introduce hunters to the skills of outdoor safety, wildlife management and responsible hunting behavior, are taught by a cadre of volunteers. Through their selfless efforts, more than 500,000 individuals have successfully completed the course since the Legislature established the program in 1957. And for decades, the Richland Rod and Gun Club has taken a lead in the program by providing knowledgeable volunteers and training equipment. In the past, the club held its hunter education classes in a warehouse at the Port of Pasco's Big Pasco. This year, the club lost its no-fee lease. However, the club now has a new - and hopefully permanent - home, courtesy of Rod Nolan, manager of Griggs Department Store in Pasco. "When I found out the club didn't have a place to hold its classes, I decided to make some rent-free space available at the store," he said. "I totally support hunter education and I wanted to do what I could to help out the club and the community," he added. Would-be hunters, or anyone interested in gun safety, can call or visit Griggs' sporting goods department to sign up for upcoming classes, which generally involve five to six three-hour evening sessions of 30 to 32 students, including a stint with live ammunition and various weapons at a shooting range. The first class at Griggs begins Jan. 28, and Nolan said that class is about full. "We'll be trying to offer at least one class a month," he said. The next classes begin March 11 and April 15. The course costs $5 to help cover the cost of ammunition. There is no age limit to attend the class, but most students average 10 years or older. Also, children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while attending the classes, although parents of any student are encouraged to attend any or all of the classes to see what the class is all about. Nolan said it's a good idea for first-time hunters to sign up early. "Too many people wait until August, when hunting season is just a few weeks away and sometimes there aren't enough classes in the Tri-Cities to get all the students through," he said. Anyone interested in signing up for a class can also do so this weekend at the Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show at TRAC in Pasco where Griggs will have a booth. For other hunter education classes offered in the Tri-City area, call Hole in the Wall in Kennewick at 783-1111 or the Richland Parks and Recreation Department at 942-7529, which is holding its classes in the new police department building on George Washington Way. Additional classes and contact numbers outside our region are listed in the back of the Big Game Hunting Season and Rules pamphlet. * * * If you're an outdoor-minded woman and happen to be reading this column, here's some news for you. The Columbia Basin chapter of Women in the Outdoors is offering its first outing of the year - a snowshoeing workshop Feb. 10 at Bumping Lake west of Naches near Chinook Pass. The event begins at 10 a.m. Mary Gant, a club spokeswoman, said REI in Kennewick will lead the instruction. All necessary equipment will be provided. "It's our first event of the year, and we're hoping to see a good turnout," she said. The local chapter of the national Women in the Outdoors, which began in the fall of 2000, is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation and offers women as noncompetitive, hands-on introduction to various outdoor activities such as archery, Dutch-oven cooking, backpacking, hiking, wilderness first aid, outdoor photography, orienteering, astronomy, mountain biking, fly-fishing, fly-tying and spin-casting. The Tri-City chapter has about 90 members, said club member Mary Peterson, "and we're always looking for new members." Besides the snowshoeing event, other club activities planned this year are kayaking, hiking to see spring wildflowers, and a two-day overnight adventure in the fall. Peterson said events are tailored to women ages 14 years and older. "Some of the people who join our group want to meet other women and people who share their love of outdoors. But for many, the club activities are a social event as well as a learning experience," she said. There is no fee to attend the snowshoeing event for members; however, nonmembers must pay a $25 annual membership fee to join the national organization. Members receive a quarterly magazine. "In one of the issues, for example, there was an article on how to stay warm in the outdoors," Peterson said. For more information on Women in the Outdoors, or to sign up for the snowshoeing outing, call 943-0492 or 967-5543 after 6 p.m. |
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