Ben Pifher/MDN Nicholas Suzda, instructor of the hunter safety course held in Glenburn Monday, Aug. 12, spoke from his years of experience to teach course materials to those interested in becoming hunters. A mix of people, including a dog named Milly, introduced themselves during an ice-breaker before the course.

GLENBURN – Autumn Blanchard, Minot, was among a class of students overflowing the seating area, all waiting to learn rules, ethics and how to be a safe, considerate hunter, last week in Glenburn.

Blanchard grew up in a hunting family in Colorado and had joined in on occasion, when her age and regulations allowed her to do so.

Monday, Aug. 12, was the first night of a five-day hunter safety course that, once passed, would allow her to participate in her own right.

“Maybe we could get some good deer,” Blanchard said, talking about how in Colorado, she grew up around some of the large game there, such as elk. She was excited to learn about hunting in North Dakota, where rules are different from what she has been used to. She said she wasn’t used to the lottery system North Dakota uses. Where she grew up, she said, tags allowing hunters permission to possess game were merely bought.

Hunter safety classes are required by the state for anyone born after 1961. The class permits hunters or trappers to purchase tags, allowing them to hunt or trap various species, such as turkey, deer, ducks or even mountain lions.

The class consists of 14 hours of classroom learning, covering the basics of firearms and how to use them safely, safe movement around obstacles, humane hunting practices and a wide array of other practices.

According to Brian Schaffer, Outdoor Education Project administrator, the hunter safety course focuses on safety, ethics, laws and regulations, landowner relations and wildlife identification and conservation.

After the classroom portion, students take a written test, part of which must be passed with a 100% score. There is also a practical examination in which students must demonstrate knowledge imparted in the class.

Nicholas Suzda, the class instructor, has been volunteering his time to teach the course since 2008. Describing his favorite part of teaching, Suzda said he really enjoys getting new people into the tradition. He also enjoys having friends and acquaintances who have never been hunting tag along with him and learn the ropes.

Once the course is passed, students are allowed to hunt or trap within North Dakota for their lifetimes and in other states where the certificate is valid. Other states have varying laws, so when planning to hunt out of state, ensure all local laws are followed, Suzda told the class. While speaking to his class about good hunting practices, Suzda said hunting is “a great way to get out with your friends or meet people, and maybe put some food on the table.”

More information about the class, hunting, fishing or wildlife can be obtained from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.