Combo hunter/bow hunter course planned

A combination firearm and bowhunter education course will be offered by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission volunteer instructors in Orchard on Oct. 28 and 29 and Nov. 2. Class times will be 5:30 to 9 p.m., on the 28th and 29th and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 2.

This free course will be held at the Orchard Community Center at 407 E. 4th Street in Orchard.

The course will provide instruction in safe firearms use, safe bow use, tree stand safety, shooting and sighting techniques, hunter ethics, game identification, tracking and conservation management. Students must attend all the three sessions to complete the course.

In Nebraska, hunters ages 12 through 29 must carry a proof of successful completion of firearm hunter education when hunting with a firearm. Additionally, bowhunter education is required for all Nebraska hunters age 12 through 29 who hunt deer, elk, antelope or mountain sheep with bow and arrow or crossbow.

Participants must register for the course at outdoornebraska.gov/hunt/hunter-education/; click on "register for hunter/bowhunter ed. Scroll down and find the class at Orchard Community Center; click on the class, then click "Register Now" and follow the instructions.