PROVIDENCE -The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced it is hosting free, hands-on field training for hunters this month. The 90-minute training sessions are open to people who have completed a hunter or bowhunter education course. Space is limited and registration is required.
WHEN: Sunday, August 7| 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 10| 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
* Three 90-minute sessions each day
WHERE: DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife Education Center, 1-B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Students will receive expert instruction on hunter safety and participate in simulated scenarios in the field. Topics covered include basic land navigation and shooting skills training, range estimation, animal recovery and ethics, and related safety themes. All equipment and materials will be provided. Trainings are rain or shine; appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended.
Also on the 7th and 10th at 8:30 a.m., the in-person hunter education exam will be administered. Hunters who have completed Rhode Island's online hunter or bowhunter education course within the past year are eligible. A printed Certification of Completion and a photo ID are required. Archery proficiency testing will also be offered on both days. Registration is required for both the exam and proficiency testing. To register for any of the above opportunities, contact Scott Travers at Scott.travers@dem.ri.gov. As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in Rhode Island, hunting plays an important role in connecting people with nature, supporting quality of life and family traditions, and attracting tourism. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, hunting contributes more than $18 million annually to Rhode Island's economy. There are approximately 17,000 licensed hunters in Rhode Island. Hunter education is offered as part of DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife's Hunter Education Program. Safety training is required by law in Rhode Island for beginning hunters. To date, more than 40,000 people have completed a hunter safety course in Rhode Island, helping to dramatically reduce related accidents in the state and elsewhere. A complete schedule of hunter educational offerings is available at www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.