On target

POST FALLS - Youth can get a head start on hunting scenarios before even heading out this fall.

Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, kids 15 and younger are being offered free hunting video simulation classes at Center Target Sports in Post Falls.

"It gives parents an opportunity to see how their child performs in the wilderness in regard to making appropriate and ethical decisions," said Ed Santos, owner of the business at 3295 E. Mullan Ave. "When the kids 'shoot,' they'll be critiqued on shot placement."

The first class was Friday night. Upcoming class dates and times are: Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 9, 1 p.m.; Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m.

Adults and older teens can take the class for $5. To register, call 773-2331. Classes are limited to 30 participants. There is no minimum age requirement.

Sixty-two shooting ranges applied for grants to enhance shooting sports; 22 received funding.

"We chose to do something that would give back to the community," Santos said. "With this being a hunting area, we thought that this would be a great way to interact with the community."

Santos said the classes do not replace hunter safety courses taught by Idaho Fish and Game.

"This is a supplement to reinforce those skills," he said.

Participants do not have to take hunter safety as a requirement to register for a video simulation class.

Students can choose between deer, elk and antelope simulations. The class teaches what an ethical shot is and safety skills, including knowing what's in the background.

"It's very sophisticated and not an arcade game," Santos said. "But we don't need special waivers from parents because they're not handling real guns."

Santos said he intends to hold the classes prior to future hunting seasons as well.

How to register

Free hunting video classes are being offered to youth 15 and under at Center Target Sports in Post Falls. Others can take the class for $5. Dates and times are: Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 9, 1 p.m.; Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m. To register, call 773-2331.

How to register

Free hunting video classes are being offered to youth 15 and younger at Center Target Sports in Post Falls. Others can take the class for $5. Dates and times are: Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 9, 1 p.m.; Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m. To register, call 773-2331.