Sunday, August 23, 2015

Vermont is a leader in locally sourced food and we value knowing where our food comes from

Seminars announced for first-time hunters

MONTPELIER — Few connections between the land and food are more authentic than hunting. But if you lack friends or family who hunt or the skills to butcher a deer, the solo path from woods to table can be intimidating. To make this journey easier, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is sponsoring four “Getting Started in Deer Hunting” and four “Venison: Field to Table” seminars throughout the state this September.

First offered last fall, these popular courses provide prospective hunters with the essential information they need to get the most out of their first deer season and all hunters with the skills they need to get the most out of the experience. These seminars do not replace mandatory hunter education. However, you don’t need to commit to taking a hunter education course before attending a seminar or have even decided to hunt.

“Vermont is a leader in locally sourced food and we value knowing where our food comes from,” said Christopher Saunders, hunter education manager. “Hunting is a natural extension of this passion, particularly for people who care deeply about the land. These seminars are a first step for people who are interested in deer hunting and deer processing. ”

Topics at the deer hunting seminars include basic deer biology, hunting rules and regulations, firearm selection, where to go and hunting tips, gear and techniques. Even participants who are on the fence about hunting are welcome to get a glimpse of what deer hunting is about and why it’s so inextricably linked with Vermont’s working landscape.

Both new and seasoned hunters will learn tips and techniques at the processing seminars. Featuring a real deer, everything from field dressing to muscle groups to proper wrapping will be covered.

“Being able to source healthy, local meat has become the Number 1 reason why people hunt, even more than getting outdoors or spending time with family and friends,” said Saunders. “And it’s becoming the main motivation for new adult hunters.”

“Getting Started in Deer Hunting” seminars are being offered in Townsend (Sept. 2), Burlington (Sept. 9 and 16), Montpelier (Sept. 17), and Manchester (Sept. 22); and “Venison: Field to Table” is being offered in Castleton (Sept. 3), St. Albans (Sept. 15), Stamford (Sept. 24) and St. Johnsbury (Sept. 29).

Register online at: http://www.register-ed.com/programs/vermont/133-vermont-fish-and-wildlife-seminars For additional information, contact Chris Saunders at chris.saunders@state.vt.us or (802)828-1193.



Hunter ed courses available 

MONTPELIER — If you haven’t completed a Vermont hunter education course but want to before hunting season, this is the time to act according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

“Vermont’s volunteer instructors of hunter education courses are scheduling their courses now on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website,” said Nicole Meier, hunter education specialist. “The courses have started and will continue for a few weeks, and fewer courses will be available by October because many instructors will be hunting.”

Anyone who wants to obtain their first Vermont hunting license must first pass the state-sanctioned course. Upcoming courses are listed on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website, www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Traditional “classroom” and online home-study courses are listed separately. Additional courses are offered for archery, deer hunting and trapping, which also are prerequisites for licenses.

Students may also choose to accelerate their learning by taking a “combo course” for both hunter education and bowhunter education.

The list of upcoming course is updated on the website as new courses are added, and course news is included on the Vermont Hunter Education Program Facebook page. For more information, class dates, and information about free hunting seminars, check out our Hunter Education registration page:http://www.register-ed.com/programs/vermont/

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