Please remember and follow the 4 basic safety rules. Make SAFETY your #1 target:
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot
Hunter Safety Classes
Anyone born after January 1, 1973 is required to pass a hunter education course in order to purchase a Wisconsin hunting license. Nearly all of the other states also have a mandatory hunter education requirement to purchase a hunting license, such as Colorado – anyone born after January 1, 1949, Wyoming – after January 1, 1966, Iowa – after January 1, 1967, etc. The certificate received after completing a class in Wisconsin is recognized in all other states and also in most, if not all, Canadian provinces.
Koenig’s first Hunter safety class was held in 1973. For many years we have conducted up to two classes each year. During this time we have graduated over 3000 students, both young people and adults.
We presently have 9 certified instructors. They are:
- Pete Nikisch – 1996
- John Zalewski – 2001
- LisaAnn Haag – 2010
- Ron Simmelink – 2012
- Bob Reinemann – 2013
- Ben Darkow – 2017
- Nicole Schmelter – 2018
- Jason Schmelter – 2018
- Dan Retagliata – 2019
Our course is usually held in June. The classes are held twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm, for a total of six evenings. Each course also includes one Saturday session, from 10am until 4pm.
Students should be at least 10 years old to take the class. There is no maximum age for taking a class. Adults are welcome whether they are experienced or first time hunters. Parents are encouraged to attend the class along with their children.
Our classes are limited in size to 10 students and fill up early. Anyone interested in taking a class should call well ahead of time to reserve a spot in the class.
Courses include lessons on learning about firearms and ammunition, firearm safety, hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and management, wildlife identification, game care, and more. They include live firing of shotguns and .22 rifles. They also include much hands on training in loading and unloading guns, safe handling and carrying of firearms when alone and with others, good marksmanship techniques, and more.
To reserve a spot or for more information about either of these courses contact LisaAnn Haag at 920-980-6979 or lisaannhaag@gmail.com
Anyone who is looking for an internet class field day can contact Torry Torrison at 920-459-8856. His group conducts one or two field days each year at the Sheboygan Falls Conservation Club.
For information about other upcoming hunter safety classes in the county as well as all other safety courses – boating, ATV, snowmobile, etc. visit the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov/education (no www needed) and review the classes available under the ‘Outdoor Skills’ section.
