Sign up now for upcoming hunter education classes being offered in Banks and Sisters soon.

The Sisters class is at Sisters Community Church from 6:30-9 p.m. on the following days: Feb. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22.

The Banks class is at Fire District #13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23. A second class will begin Feb. 28.

Sign up for these classes on the license sales site or at any license sales agent.

ODFW offers two types of hunter education classes: a traditional classroom experience over several days where most material is reviewed in the classroom, or independent study, which kids can do from home via workbook or online course. Independent study students also need to attend a field day to receive their hunter education certificate.

For a list of current classes and field days open in Oregon, visit the ODFW’s license sales site and click View All Classes-Workshops / Hunter Ed Class or Hunter Ed Field Day tab. New classes are added regularly so check back if you don’t see a date, time or location that works for you. Registering for a class or field day costs $10.

Adults are also welcome to attend any hunter education classes and may take the adult online course, which doesn’t require a field day for certification.

Hunter education is required for all hunters under the age of 18 and encouraged for adults, too. The classes cover important issues including hunter ethics and respect for private landowners; wildlife management and identification; firearms handling and safety; hunt preparation and techniques; survival; and introductory bowhunting.

All classes and field days are taught by certified volunteers dedicated to passing on the tradition of hunting to future generations. These volunteer instructors teach and certify about 6,500 students statewide each year in hunter education.

For more information about hunter education, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/education/hunter/