Free hunter education instructor training set for Sept. 15-16 in Athens

A training academy for new hunter education instructors is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16 in Athens, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The two-day class is held at the Wildlife District Four office at 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701. Classes begin Friday, Sept. 15 from 5:30-9 p.m., and continue Saturday, Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is no cost to participate in the hunter education instructor academy. All participants are required to complete a background check prior to its start. Register by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543).

Participants are required to attend both days of training, be at least 18 years of age, and have successfully completed the online hunter education course. Ohio currently has 1,700 volunteer instructors who train thousands of hunters each year to be safe and responsible in the field.

For more information on becoming a hunter education instructo,r visit the hunter education pages at wildohio.gov.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.