SC DNR offering Hunter Education Classes

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources hosts several hunter education classes over the next few weeks prior to the upcoming turkey season. There are three weekend class sessions being offered prior to the upcoming turkey season. The dates and locations are Feb. 28 at the SC DNR office in Clemson, March 7 at the Belton Depot in Belton and March 14 at Foothills Community Church at 505 Bountyland Road in Seneca. The classes take place from 8am to 3pm. All residents and non-residents born after June 30, 1979 need the hunter education endorsement and must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license in the state. If you were born prior to that date and attempt to acquire a hunting license out-of-state, you will find that many states now require you to have a hunter education endorsement. The Hunter Education Program is dedicated to the safe enjoyment of our outdoors. Through this program, students learn about responsibility and ethics in the field, as well as firearms safety. Participants must pre-register at www.dnr.sc.gov by clicking on the hunter education icon. A break will be provided at mid-day to allow participants to go off site for lunch. Each student is urged to be on time and bring a pen or pencil. All classes are first come, first serve and are free events at no cost. A parent or guardian must accompany all children under 12 years of age.