Fish and Game to host youth marksmanship course

Idaho Department of Fish and Game staff and volunteers in the Panhandle Region will host a Youth Marksmanship Skills Workshop from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Farragut Shooting Range Center, 33644 N. Shooters Road, Athol.

The workshop is for youth ages 9 to 17 who have successfully completed hunter education.

The workshop will provide participants the opportunity for one-on-one instruction and guidance on shooting safety and essentials, with particular focus on the mechanics of sighting in a scope. Even better, individual instruction will be provided by NRA-certified instructors.

The workshop is participatory in nature, and some of the skills taught will include:

• Basics of gun safety

• Basic shooting terminology and techniques

• Mechanics of sighting in a rifle scope

Participants will need to bring the rifle they intend to use during the 2023 big game hunting seasons and at least one box of ammunition. Please note that reloads are not allowed. Participants will also need to bring their own eye and ear protection.

Registration is required at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/195706. The cost of the class is $15 per student.

Verification of hunter education certification will need to be demonstrated by showing a hunter education card or a 2023 hunting license.

Per state regulations, any participants under the age of 12 must have a parent, guardian or other designated adult present during live fire activities.

This workshop is one of the new “Hunting and Shooting Sport Skills” classes being offered across the state. Classes vary widely, but can include field dressing and skinning, handguns 101, shotgunning 101, CWD sampling and much more. Check https://www.register-ed.com/programs/landing/schedule/agency:30 for current and future class offerings.

For information, contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Heidi Knapp at 208-769-1414.

* T.J. Ross is a regional communications manager with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.