Alaska Hunter (almost)

Meghan really liked the ptarmigan patch awarded to each participant

Last Spring Meghan's mom and dad dropped off a 12 gauge and a rifle during their visit to Kodiak. Meghan's family harvests about five deer each Fall from their wooded and hilly 90 acres in southwest Wisconsin. Sometimes Meghan's Mom is known to "bring home the venison" when the boys come back empty-handed. So, eager to provide Meghan a healthy alternative to the increasingly synthetic proteins found in supermarkets (aka chicken and beef), I completed an Alaska hunter safety course on Saturday. Provided by the state's Department of Fish and Game and delivered by an all-volunteer crew, the course was a great introduction to Alaskan hunting. For instance Bob, one of the instructors who sits on the much maligned (depending on which side of the fence you're on) Alaska Big Game Board, shared years of helpful know-how on the state's rules and regulations.

Looks like I'll be asking for some cammo this Christmas

During the course we handled several different firearms including an old Winchester lever action rifle (as seen in True Grit). We then walked a field course to identify several different species of game and discussed whether it was safe, and legal to take a shot. After a short "written" (50 multiple choice questions) exam, we picked up rifles and took the marksmanship qualification exam at the range. From three positions, standing, kneeling and sitting we aimed to place four shots within a 4" target. I successfully completed the course and look forward to putting my new knowledge to use.

The "P" stands for Pass