As hunting seasons roll around every year, wildlife officialsbegin to emphasize the importance of hunter education courses.

Although courses are offered throughout the year, every fall asurge of hunters enroll in classes, especially since a law nowrequires all hunters born after 1972 to pass a hunter educationcourse, said Captain Jamie Cummins with Mississippi Wildlife,Fisheries and Parks (MWFP).

The hunter education courses are extremely beneficial, andwildlife officials are glad more people are taking them.

“It is very important to have hunter education because it cansave someone’s life,” said Cummins.

Hunter education courses not only teach about hunting laws, butthey also concentrate on safety.

“They teach to be a safe hunter, obey the game laws, respect thelandowners…” said Master Sergeant John D. Boyte with MWFP. “It’llcause you to be a better sportsman.”

Gun safety is heavily emphasized during hunter education coursesbecause so many hunters do not realize the proper way to handleguns, said wildlife officials.

Hunters should always keep their guns unloaded when not hunting,and check other hunters’ guns to make sure they also follow thatsafety rule.

Wildlife officials explained that many innocent people have beenaccidentally killed because someone thought a gun was unloaded.Even if someone says a gun is unloaded, hunters should still handleguns in a careful matter, said Cummins.

“All guns are considered loaded, whether they are or not,” headded.

Hunters should also remember to leave guns uncocked until readyto shoot.

Hunters should also make sure they know exactly what they areshooting, Cummins said.. A common mistake, which can sometimes befatal, is shooting at something just because it is moving.

“Their adrenaline is going, and they get excited and don’tthink,” said Cummins, adding how important it is for hunters toverify what they are aiming at and check the line of sight beforefiring.

Wildlife officials urge all hunters, regardless of when theywere born, to refresh their hunter safety skills each year in orderto prevent tragedy.

The next hunter education course scheduled in Lincoln County isfrom 6-9:30 p.m., Oct. 27 at the district office on Second Street,and 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 28 at the sports complex on Belt Line Road.Hunters must attend both sessions to complete the course.

A course will also be held 6:30-9:30 p.m., Nov. 6, 7 and 9 atthe district office.

Upcoming courses in neighboring counties include one from 6-9:30p.m., Oct. 25-27, at the Lawrence County Library, one from 7 a.m.-5p.m., Nov. 4 at the Franklin County Extension Office, and anotherfrom 6:30-9:30 p.m., Nov. 7, 8 and 9 at the Gallman Fairgrounds inCopiah County.

The completion of a hunter education course is necessary foranyone born after 1972 to receive a hunting license. For moreinformation about courses, call the district office at835-3050.