PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation was responsible for teaching students valuable lessons in gun safety during firearm safety course which began April 18 at the Preeceville School and concluded April 29.
There were 25 students registered from Preeceville, Sturgis, Norquay, Hazel Dell, Ketchen and Endeavour areas.
“The Saskatchewan Hunter Education course was divided into 15 lessons,” said Norman Johnson, firearm safety organizer. “Starting with basis firearm safety, students then learned about firearms and ammunition care and maintenance which is required to keep firearms working safely and properly. The course teaches the proper handling and responsibility. “Responsibility is a huge key,” continued Johnson. “Students have to take it serious because firearms are not toys. The most valuable thing we hope the students get across is not to be afraid of a firearm, which is accomplished by practicing safety. We focus on having respect for the firearm; also when hunting to respect the animals you hunt and the land owner’s property.”
There are lessons on outdoor survival, maps and compass use. After a successful hunt, proper care of game harvested is very important, he said. Twenty plus hours in classroom instructions and demonstrations are required to present this course to students.
The firearm safety instructors appreciate the continue support of the Preeceville School and the Preeceville branch of the SWF.
Other instructors included: Brad Steppan, Gerald Ignatiuk, Johnny Petryshyn, and Dave Knihniski. Helpers were Owen Myhr and Kelly Masley.
Numerous volunteers also helped out with the course for the one-day hands-on exercise where students were taught to handle obstacles while carrying a firearm. Students were instructed in the safe handling of firearms when being carried, various shooting positions, using shooting stands, cleaning and maintenance of guns and ammunition, different locks that can be used, and how to cross fences safety.
