New Madrid County hunter education skills class is Oct. 25

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation will sponsor a hunter education skills session on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the New Madrid Public Safety Center, located at 342 U.S. Highway 61 New Madrid. The skills session will be held from 6-10 p.m.

Students must complete the first half of their curriculum by either taking an online hunter education course at www.mdc.mo.gov or contacting the New Madrid Public Safety Center to receive a student manual and completing it.

Once one of the two options has been completed, students can register for the scheduled skills session to complete the second half of the mandated requirement. Those successfully completing the course will receive a hunter education certification card from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Such certification is mandatory before a hunter can purchase a hunting permit in many states and Canadian Provinces.

Anyone who is 16 years of age, or was born after Jan. 1, 1967, is required to be certified before purchasing a firearms permit in the state of Missouri. Certification is limited to students 11 years of age or older.

Students under the age of 16 should bring proof of age. If applicable, students should bring their Heritage Card or any hunting, fishing, or trapping permit they have previously purchased. Pre-registration is required for the skills session and can be done online at www.mdc.mo.gov.

Any person who is 16 years of age or older has the option to complete all requirements to obtain their hunter education certification online. To learn more visit www.mdc.mo.gov.

Anyone with questions about the hunter education program can contact New Madrid County Conservation Agent Christopher Barnes at 573-326-0886.