Going hunting? Need certification

Hunters in need of certification are in luck. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a hunter education course on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

The session will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Raceland Lion’s Club, 600 Hospital Drive, and Sunday, Nov. 1, at the LPSO Rifle Range, La. Highway 182 in Raceland. Saturday’s class will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday’s session is from 9 a.m. to noon.

Applicants must attend both days to become certified. Students are required to bring an ink pen, bag lunch, drinks and snacks for both days.

Certification is mandatory to hunt in Louisiana. Applicants born before Sept. 1, 1969, must complete the course before becoming certified.

The lifetime-certification course is open to hunters age 10 or older.

The sheriff’s office cautions that age requirements in other states differ. A hunter exempt in Louisiana may not be exempt outside the Bayou State. Anyone planning an out-of-state hunt should consider attending the course to ensure eligibility in other states.

Preregistration is required, as space is limited. Call (985) 449-4480 to preregister.

Individuals who have lost their hunter education card or wish to take the course online and attend a mandatory field day should visit the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Web site at wlf.louisiana.gov.