scooter
04-28-2008, 01:20 PM
PUBLICATION: The Edmonton Sun
DATE: 2008.03.13
EDITION: Final
SECTION: News
PAGE: 21
BYLINE: NICKI THOMAS, SUN MEDIA
WORD COUNT: 205
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W. Virginia eyes hunting course for students
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Lawmakers in the United States are fighting for a firearm and hunting course in their schools - an option that students in Alberta have already had for more than 10 years.
Last Friday, legislators in West Virginia passed a bill that would mandate a firearm and hunting safety education program be offered in public schools as an optional course for students in grades eight through 12.
It is now up to the state's governor to decide whether or not to sign it into law.
Since 1997, Grade 11 students in Alberta have been offered a hunting and game management course as part of the wildlife strand of Career and Technology Studies.
Students in the intermediate course learn how to safely handle bows and arrows, and firearms, as well as techniques for targeting, handling and dressing game animals.
Sustainable Resource Development spokesman Darcy Whiteside said that as a student at Didsbury High School in the late 1980s, he enjoyed a similar course.
While there was no firearm handling, there were lessons on hunting techniques, animal identification and how to survive in the wild, he said, calling it a helpful course.
"It definitely led into consistent work within nature and an interest in nature," he said.
American legislators hope their bill will revive flagging interest in hunting.
It's the same motive behind the creation of Provincial Hunting Day in Alberta last fall.
At the time, Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton said he hoped the day would give young Albertans the opportunity to experience the outdoors and build a greater respect for wildlife.
DATE: 2008.03.13
EDITION: Final
SECTION: News
PAGE: 21
BYLINE: NICKI THOMAS, SUN MEDIA
WORD COUNT: 205
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W. Virginia eyes hunting course for students
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lawmakers in the United States are fighting for a firearm and hunting course in their schools - an option that students in Alberta have already had for more than 10 years.
Last Friday, legislators in West Virginia passed a bill that would mandate a firearm and hunting safety education program be offered in public schools as an optional course for students in grades eight through 12.
It is now up to the state's governor to decide whether or not to sign it into law.
Since 1997, Grade 11 students in Alberta have been offered a hunting and game management course as part of the wildlife strand of Career and Technology Studies.
Students in the intermediate course learn how to safely handle bows and arrows, and firearms, as well as techniques for targeting, handling and dressing game animals.
Sustainable Resource Development spokesman Darcy Whiteside said that as a student at Didsbury High School in the late 1980s, he enjoyed a similar course.
While there was no firearm handling, there were lessons on hunting techniques, animal identification and how to survive in the wild, he said, calling it a helpful course.
"It definitely led into consistent work within nature and an interest in nature," he said.
American legislators hope their bill will revive flagging interest in hunting.
It's the same motive behind the creation of Provincial Hunting Day in Alberta last fall.
At the time, Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton said he hoped the day would give young Albertans the opportunity to experience the outdoors and build a greater respect for wildlife.