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Minnesota's volunteer firearms safety instructors have scheduled classes throughout the state, and now's the time for people who want to attend to make plans to do so, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1979 must take a DNR safety training course and receive a certificate of completion before purchasing a license to hunt.

"Now is a great time to get your son or daughter registered for a hunter safety class," said Jon Paurus, DNR education programs coordinator. "People who wait until closer to the hunting season risk missing out on the opportunity to enroll in a class, which could result in their kids being unable to hunt this fall."

People who enroll early have more options, including taking the class in a classroom or online. Whether students take the classroom or online course, they must complete a field day during which they practice handling firearms and learn about hunter responsibility. Field day availability is limited and classes fill up fast (some already are full), so it's important to plan ahead. If hunters plan on hunting in another state, they should check other states' regulations to determine if a firearms safety certificate is required before participating in any hunts.

Visit the hunter education and safety classes webpage for a list of scheduled classes and education requirements for other states. For more information, call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367.[[In-content Ad]]

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