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Hunter Safety course held in Marion Despite a late winter snowstorm, 47 prospective hunters ages 12 to 52 braved the elements to attend the mandatory pre-licensing New York State Hunter Safety Course at Marion American Legion Post 1430. Classes have been held there since 2002 with Post Adjutant Mark Wyman and Legion member Donald Tennity serving as volunteer instructors. Wyman credits 21-year instructor Terry Milliken, also an American Legion member in Phelps, and 25-year instructor Al Welch from Marion with persuading them to become involved as certified instructors. The hunter education course is required for persons who cannot provide proof that they have ever possessed a hunting license. One of the students was Ashley Mander of Marion who took the course so she could hunt with her father who has been an avid hunter most of his life. Although she has no hunting experience, she plans to go afield during turkey season beginning with the Spring Youth Hunt (April 21, 22), and continue hunting into the regular spring turkey season that runs May 1-31. She said the most important thing she learned from the course was to make sure the muzzle of the gun is pointed in a safe direction at all times and to be sure of her target. Although most of the youngsters attending the course were there to become certified to obtain their license so they could hunt with parents and friends, Dillon Vascukynas, a 6th grade student at Wayne Central School, plans to become a game warden. He said he likes the outdoors and nature and is interested in preserving the environment, so he wants to learn all he can about hunting safety and laws as part of his education toward that goal. Some course participants came from Monroe County and one participant lives in Lodi. Greece (Rochester) resident and lifetime hunter Joe Saieva, 40, attended with his 13-year-old son Guiseppe. Saieva, who hunts in Deer Management area 8G near Brockport, said they wanted to take the course at Gander Mountain but it was scheduled during the week, which made it too late for them on school nights. The sessions scheduled in Marion were perfect. When asked why he was taking the course as well as his son, he replied, 'I thought it would be more support for him if I took it along with him, and its good review for me.' According to Milliken, scheduling classes is difficult. They are considering a fall class, which would probably be held at the Legion in October. Usually, many of the prospective young hunters are accompanied by at least one parent. Tennity remembers a 67-year old grandfather who attended a previous course with his grandson. The elder student had never hunted before in his life, but he was planning to go with his grandson and they would learn together. 'This is a good family-oriented educational activity,' said Tennity. Environmental Control Officers such as William Powell, III from Region 8 Headquarters in Avon, who was present at the Marion course, assist and oversee the New York State Hunter Safety classes throughout the state. Certified volunteer instructors must re-certify at least every other year although Tennity renews his every year. Tennity says there is a need for more certified instructors if these programs are to continue in Wayne and surrounding counties. He urges anyone interested in volunteering should contact the area DEC office in Avon. He also pointed out that although the passing score for the written test at the end of the course is 80%, the idea is not to give a grade or refuse to license any new hunters. 'We want to make sure all licensees are aware of firearms and hunting safety. We are proud that New York State has one of the lowest hunting accident rates in the country thanks to this program.' For information on hunter education courses, contact the DEC Regional Wildlife Agency at Avon at 585.226.5380 or visit Copyright
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