The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is pleased to announce a Firearms Hunter Safety Course that will be hosted by Boothbay Region Fish and Game Association.

The class is open to prospective hunters from the age of 10 on up. Note that students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The class will take place Tuesday, April 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. then again on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fish and Game Club located at 447 Dover Road, Boothbay.

Students will learn about safe firearm handling and Maine's hunting laws and regulations. The class will also include discussions about hunter ethics, landowner relations, wildlife conservation, map and compas use, wilderness survival and first aid, as well as the planning and preparation for a hunt and equipment and tactics used in hunting.

Proof of having completed a hunter safety course is required for new hunters in Maine to obtain a hunting license. To participate, please register online at: mefishwildlife.com/safetycourses. Questions can be directed to the IF&W Recreational Safety Division at 207-287-8000.