The Preeceville branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, is once again teaching students valuable lessons in gun safety. The firearm safety course, which began April 1, was held at the
There are 36 students registered from Preeceville, Sturgis, Norquay, Hyas and Endeavour.
“The Saskatchewan Hunter Education course was divided into 15 lessons,” said Norman Johnson, firearm safety organizer. “Starting with basic firearm safety, students then learned about firearms and ammunition care and maintenance which are required to keep firearms working safely and properly. The course teaches the proper handling and responsibility involved.
“Responsibility is a huge key,” said Johnson. “Students have to take it seriously because firearms are not toys. The most valuable thing we hope gets across to the student is that not to be afraid of a firearm which is accomplished by practicing safety. We also focus on the having respect for the firearm, also when hunting, to respect the animals you hunt and the landowner’s property.”
There are lessons on outdoor survival, maps and compass use.
After a successful hunt, proper care of game harvested is very important, he said. Twenty plus hours of classroom instruction and demonstrations are required to present this course to students.
The firearm safety instructors appreciate the continue support of the
Numerous volunteers also helped out with the course for the one-day hands-on exercise which students were taught to handle obstacles while carrying a firearm. The firearms utilized during the one-day hands-on exercise were deactivated rifles and shotguns. Other guns displayed were: .303 rifle, single shot, 12-gauge, single-shot .22, over /under .22 and a 4-10 shotgun.
Students were instructed in the safe handling of firearms when being carried, various shooting positions, using shooting stands; cleaning and maintenance of guns and ammunition, different locks that can be used and how to cross fences safely.
