The future of hunting turned out in full force in St. Charles last week, as 50 would-be hunters went through 15 hours of classroom training at St. Charles Elementary School, followed on Saturday by six hours of hands-on field experience at a farm just south of town.
Their goal? Earning their firearm safety certification. Some of the students were just 11 years old, while others were moms who aspire to join their children and husbands in the field this fall. Some students came from as far away as Owatonna.
More than a dozen volunteer instructors and guest speakers helped out, and on Saturday the students fired .22s and shotguns, learned how to clean their guns, received lessons in treestand safety and learned the essential components of a survival kit.
They also feasted on moose steaks, venison sausage, wild boar bratwurst and other wild game.
All 50 students passed their exams and earned their firearms safety credentials.
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