Wisconsin offers Hunting for Sustainability: A Course for Novice Hunters
OutdoorHub 07.23.13
People who like to eat good food while supporting the environment and learning something about their state can register for a Hunting for Sustainability course being offered this fall.
“Natural resources conservation, sustainability and hunting naturally fit hand in hand,” says Keith Warnke, Department of Natural Resources hunting and shooting sports coordinator, who created the course. Since its launch in 2012, the course has grown in popularity and more sections are expected to be added.
“Hunting is an integral part of the fabric of Wisconsin life and a great source for locally produced food,” Warnke says.
The Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Madison College is offering at least two continuing education courses that aim to show how hunting plays into conservation and healthy living. Students will learn hunting skills, ethics, tools and techniques from experienced hunters. And, students may have the opportunity to participate in a mentored-deer or -pheasant hunting experience.
Be a healthy eater; learn from experienced hunters
Warnke says the course’s objective is to reach adults who have never had a chance to hunt to experience one of the state’s traditions. “There are barriers in knowledge and equipment needed to get started if you weren’t raised a hunter. This course is an opportunity for adults to get started with guidance from experienced hunters.”
The program is the result of a few pilot events aimed at recruiting adult hunters – also known as Learn to Hunt events. Learn to Hunt events have proven popular with kids and in particular with the children of hunters. “But when we offer them to adults, interest went through the roof,”
Warnke says. “In particular, young adults have jumped at the opportunity. So we realize there is a demand to learn to hunt and last year offered this course to 20 people. This we are expanding and hope to have even more courses coming soon.”
Telephone registration is available through Madison College at (608) 246-6210. The Madison College fall 2013 course schedule [pdf](exit DNR; class on page 14) is available on the Madison College website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke – 608-576-5243; Joanne M. Haas, Bureau of Law Enforcement public information officer, 608-267-0798.
