PREECEVILLE — The firearm safety course held in Preeceville taught new hunters the rules, regulations and importance of handling a firearm safely.
“What’s the most important part of your bowhunting equipment? What about your survival kit? What big game animal has ‘horns,’ not antlers? What are the four vital ACTS of firearm safety? We had another amazing and fun Hunter Ed Course these past few weeks!” instructor Brad Steppan stated.
The course is administered by S.A.F.E. (Saskatchewan Association of Firearms Education) and is taught throughout the province by certified volunteer instructors.
Steppan said the course would not have taken place or been as successful without the help of many individuals and groups.
He thanked Shauna and Tara from S.A.F.E. headquarters in Regina for their support administering the program across Saskatchewan and assisting both instructors and students.
Steppan also thanked Preeceville School principal Dr. Meadows, along with teachers, staff and janitors, for allowing the course to use the school for nearly three weeks of evening classes.
“The facility is so well-suited to teaching the course and we are blessed to be given the opportunity to use it,” Steppan stated.
He also recognized the students, parents, grandparents and drivers who participated and supported the course.
“What a great group of young and older students we had this year. Engaged, excited and respectful. It was an absolute treat to teach this amazing group. The dedication of the drivers is always so encouraging, so thank you, drivers,” Steppan stated.
Steppan thanked the Preeceville Wildlife Federation for supporting the course and encouraging youth involvement in hunting, fishing, conservation and the outdoors.
He also offered special thanks to fellow instructors Gerald Ignatiuk, Dave Knihnisky and conservation officers Nathan Dutchak and Darren Henry.
“These gentlemen give of their time and energy not just to teach and instruct but to be an example to our students. Their life experience, knowledge and wisdom of the outdoors and hunting is incredible,” Steppan stated.
The course included both classroom theory and hands-on practical instruction in firearm handling, safe storage, identifying ammunition and gun maintenance.
Students also received introductory instruction in muzzleloading, bowhunting, shooting skills and survival. Wildlife identification, conservation and firearm law were also emphasized as important parts of the course.
Not all students are able to attend in-person classes, Steppan noted, and online options are available. However, local instructors believe the group setting remains the best learning environment because students are challenged in both theory and practice each evening.
The course also focused heavily on life lessons connected to hunting, conservation and firearm safety.
“Respect. Respect for their lives, and the lives of everyone around them, including those who may disagree with hunting or gun ownership. Respect for the critters, the birds, the fish, the land, the water, the air we breathe,” Steppan stated.
He added students were taught the importance of respecting other people’s property, homes, yards, fields and animals, along with the importance of safety and responsibility.
“We impress upon our students this simple but profound truth — guns aren’t dangerous, it’s the person holding them that can create a dangerous situation,” Steppan stated.
Conservation was defined in the course as the wise use of resources and ensuring fair opportunities for all hunters while keeping safety at the forefront. Ethics and respectful behaviour toward neighbours, wildlife and the outdoors were also key themes discussed throughout the course.
“It was another great year of hunter education classes. To all you students who attended, a huge thank you. You are all very special to me, and I am so grateful and honoured to have been a small part of your lives,” Steppan stated.
