When Paul Reszczyk of Waterford enrolled his sons, Connor and Grant, in a hunter-safety course this summer, he signed himself up, too, even though he’s already a hunter.
‘It never hurts to brush up,? Paul said, at the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club in Independence Township, Aug. 16. ‘And 12 states out west require a hunting certificate.?
The Reszczyks joined 31 other students in the course, which taught students gun safety, how to hunt ethically, and outdoor survival skills.
‘They learn responsibility,? said Lloyd Dempsey, hunter safety instructor. ‘The course qualifies them to purchase a hunting license for small and large game.?
Students did well, scoring an average of 92 percent on their written test, with a passing-requirement of 80 percent, said instructor Shawn Shilling, who has taught the class for the past 17 years.
This past Saturday, instructors took the students outside to the club’s shotgun, rifle, and archery ranges.
‘This gives them a chance to shoot,? Shilling said. ‘Most of the kids have never shot before.?
That afternoon, students tried out their land navigation skills using a compass.
‘There are issues with a GPS, hundreds of models, some more accurate than others, sun spots, heavy canopy in the woods,? he said. ‘A compass doesn’t need batteries or satellites. Knowing how to use a compass can keep you from getting lost.?
The class included 10 adults, he said.
‘My dad used to hunt,? said Janet Reale, who took the course with her son, Kevin Reale II. ‘I wanted to learn how to handle a gun safely.?