Mike Zaccardi, volunteer for AZGFD, is responsible for spearheading the Hunter Education / Hunter safety classes that are taught in the East Valley. These classes are taught in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico to educate hunters (especially youth, first-time hunters and folks seeking firearms safety training). Mesa Hunter Education Instructor Association members are all volunteers and work in a nonprofit mode; they are heavily regulated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department.

Basic and Combo Hunter Education classes will be held at the Poston Jr. High auditorium (located at 2433 E. Adobe in Mesa) starting Sept. 8 and continuing through Oct 8.

Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:45 to 9 p.m. There is a four-hour required field day on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club on Usery Pass Road.

In-person registration for both classes will be held at the first class session (Sept. 8) from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration for the Combo Class is required and can be done by calling (480) 834-1791 and leaving your name, phone number, and the number of students in your group for the Combo class.

Total cost for either class is $8.00. Checks should be made out to MHEIA. Please bring your Social Security Number or AZ Hunter ID number to registration.

Maximum basic class size is 250 persons and 25 persons for the Combo class. These classes are for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with their youth.

This class is required for all persons 10-14 years old to hunt big game in Arizona. Students must be at least 9 years old by graduation to be certified. It also qualifies the graduate for a permanent bonus point. For further information contact Mike at (480) 834-1791. Please do not call Poston Jr. High for details. See Arizona Game and Fish Hunter Education class schedule at: http://www.azgfd.com

Dinghy Digest ®