AMBOY – All interested residents are welcome to attend an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course. The course will be held at the First Baptist Church, 24 N. Mason Ave., Amboy. The first of three classes will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. The second class will be from 6 -9 p.m. on Friday, May 5 and the third class will be conducted from 1 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. Students must attend all three classes in order to receive certification.

Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1980 must pass a Hunter Safety Class before they can purchase a hunting license in Illinois. Participants who complete the course will receive a Hunter Safety Certification Card to verify that they have passed the necessary safety instruction. Any Illinois resident, no matter their age, may be required to complete the course before they can purchase a hunting license in another state.

This course in not only necessary for young people to attend, but it is a helpful time of safety instruction for anyone to attend. Both beginners and experienced hunters can profit from attending the course to make the sport of hunting safer and more enjoyable.

The course includes instruction in wildlife management, firearm safety, hunter ethics, game identification, first aid, survival techniques and hunting rules and regulations. Instructional books are provided for each student as well as appropriate hands on material. Weather permitting, Saturday’s instruction will include some live firing of 22 caliber rifles and shot guns.

There is no cost for the 10-hour course, but students must pre-register in order to attend. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register, please call Pastor Rocky Fritz at (815) 535-3012.