Spring Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork, and Libby in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike.  By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana.  The minimum age for hunting in Montana is 12 (11-year olds who turn 12 by January 16 of the license year can qualify, see regulations).  A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to sign the registration form.

Libby: Registration, Libby Middle School Library Tuesday,  February 15, 7-9 p.m.; Classes, 7-9 p.m. on February 21,22,23,24,25; field course Saturday, February 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; test night is 7-9 p.m. on February 28. Contact: Challis Crismore, 293-4562.

Bigfork: Students may register online at: my.register-ed.com.  Late registration is available at the beginning of the first night of class on Wednesday, March 23, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Bigfork High School music room; do not be late.  Classes continue from 6-9 p.m. on March 28,29,30,31 and April 1.  Field course is held Saturday, April 2, and test night is April 4. Contact: Jon Cuthbertson, 756-2220 (h) 755-2131 (w).

Columbia Falls: Registration is 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, and Thursday, March 24 at the Council Chambers at City Hall in Columbia Falls.  Classes are scheduled at the Columbia Falls High School from 7-9 p.m. April 12,14,18,19,21,26,28; field course is scheduled for Saturday, April 30; test is Monday evening, May 2. Contact: Wade Fish or Penny Fish at 862-6359.

Whitefish: Registration for Whitefish Hunter Education is Thursday, February 24, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, February 26, noon-4 p.m., all at the Whitefish City Library.  Classes are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. at the Whitefish Central School on March 7,8,10,14,15,17 and 21; the field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 19.   Lead Instructor is Leonard Howke, 862-4091.

Courtesy of John Fraley