BRTC to offer introductory hunting course

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By Region 8 Newsdesk | March 11, 2021 at 11:09 AM CST – Updated March 12 at 11:05 PM

PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT) – Black River Technical College and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have teamed up to offer a unique class to those interested in hunting wild game.

The college will offer an introductory for-credit hunting course during the Fall 2021 semester.

According to a Thursday news release, Introduction to Hunting is open to beginning and new hunters.

Dr. Brad Baine, vice president of academics at BRTC, said this class will not just be in the classroom, but out in the field.

“Really what they’re going to learn is how to be safe,” Dr. Baine said. “Of course, safety is going to be a huge component of this course, and not only that but the different types of hunting… Students will have an opportunity to earn academic credit, and learn correct and safe practices for lifelong hunting.”

In addition to completing the AGFC’s Hunter Education Course, students will learn how to safely discharge a firearm, participate in multiple hunts for wild game, learn how to field dress and clean harvested game.

They will even learn how to prepare wild game dishes.

“This is from the field all the way to the kitchen table type of class,” Jeremy Brown, Assistant Deer Program Coordinator with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said.

Brown said the pandemic has only grown the sport, and now they want to reel in those who want to learn more.

“This class offers that to them,” Brown said. “The ones who didn’t have the time or didn’t have the parents or the uncles or grandparents who would take them hunting.”

Both BRTC and AGFC expect the interest level of this class to be high.

“In this region, we expect this class to pique the interest of area residents and students,” Donna Statler, dean of general studies, said. “It is the first class of this nature to be taught in our area of the state.”

While the course is designed for students who have no prior hunting experience, Baine said “BRTC and AGFC are continuing to discuss and address additional needs of the communities we serve.”

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