DNR offers hunting classes

Originally published September 22, 2016

The hunting season is underway.

But to be an active hunter, a license is required. And it may mean taking a class.

As found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, anyone born since 1980 may not be issued a hunting license unless he or she presents a valid Hunter Education Certificate of Competency from the state’s DNR’s safety division or another state.

To help hunters, the state DNR offers classes.

The DNR also routinely offers safety classes for boating and snow mobile riding.

Locally, Bill Brady, who is a master instructor, volunteers for training and educating prospective hunters. Brady also is a comedian and driver for the Orland Township Senior Transportation services.

Brady said the hunting classes are free and open to everyone.

To take the class, prospective hunters don’t need not own a firearm. In fact, no personal firearms are allowed in the class.

Brady and other instructors teach basics, including holding a gun and safely carrying a firearm (they are heavy).

A Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) also is not necessary for registration for this course, however, it is mandatory to purchase or own a firearm; and also mandatory for carrying a firearm and hunting.

During the course (which is 10 hours and usually conducted over a weekend) instructors will observe prospective hunters attitudes. Small tests also will be given along the way.

Brady would like to remind hunters the importance of the class.

He also acknowledged that much has changed since he started teaching the class 40 years ago. But he said, hunters should still always carry a compass. A GPS system and cell phone might not always get reception.

Instructors are volunteers and fellow hunters. They had take a hunting course and a DNR instructor class.

A book for the course is titled “Today’s Hunter in Illinois: A Guide to Hunting Responsibility and Safely.” It provides information on laws, types of ammunition used; seasons for certain game; and how to distinguish a male from female game (by markings).

To pass the course, students will have a review after each chapter. There will be written tests; however, attitude, dexterity, comprehension, and observation by instructors will all be used to evaluate the student.

Upon successful completion of the course, state residents get hunting certificate.

Once you receive your card, you need not take the class again, it lasts indefinitely.

Remember, the hunting of game can be more than simple recreation.

It also can help with conservation and preservation efforts of animals. Too many or too few of a certain animal can upset the delicate balance of nature.

For example, in Orland Park, construction in the area has led to overcrowding of deer. As a result, the animals have struggled to have proper food, water, and even space to roam.

Locally, classes can be found and registered at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/ListOfEducationCoursesByCounty.aspx

For more information, visit the Illinois DNR website at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Pages/default.aspx or call (800) 832-2599.