Back in 2001 the Local 2209 Recreation and Conservation Committee was trying to put together things that interested members. We have members from so many states and we found that to hunt out of state you had to have taken an approved Hunter Education Course to be certified. We have partnered with the Hunter education foundation to teach this 16 hour 2 day class.

We were able to work out a system of two 8 hour days (a weekend) to hold the class at our union hall and we had to get at least 50 participants. From the first year we held this class that has not been hard at all, we fill it every year. This class is not just for hunters it is for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and has an interest in conservation. Participants get a list of hunting schedules, like the new youth hunt, early archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and late archery season. We will inform you on how to get and the cost of hunting licenses, deer hunting licenses, bonus antler-less deer license and where to get your free hunting and trapping guide books.

In addition we have collaborated with the Indiana Bow Hunters Association and every 2 years (September 2009 is the next class) we have Bow Hunter education class. If you want to hunt in Indiana or about 15 other states you need to be certified in one of these classes. This is a one day 8 hour class to certify all bow hunters. We are honored to have Local 2209 member Jameson Olson as our instructor. He not only is an accomplished Bow Hunter he is the President of the Indiana Bow Hunters Association and volunteers a lot of time and effort on behalf of that great organization.

So keep your eyes and ears up for the next postings and information on these and other great offerings from your Recreation and Conservation Committee.