Donation by Upper Snake River Chapter of Pheasants Forever in Idaho Provides Hunter Education Courses During Peak Periods
OutdoorHub 08.29.11
Idaho Falls- Pheasant hunters know that quality habitat is one of the keys to insuring good bird populations. They also know that having good habitat, but poor access can be an issue too. The same holds true for hunter education, having a quality program, but limited access can prevent new hunters from becoming involved in the sport. Because there is always a rush of people who wait until just before the hunting season begins to sign-up for hunter education, the Upper Snake River Chapter of Pheasants Forever came up with a unique solution to help address the problem by awarding a grant of $4,500 to help cover employee costs to guarantee that courses are taught.
Not only is Pheasants Forever putting up cold hard cash, but they are doing a number of other things to help young hunters. Youth taking part in one of the grant funded classes will also receive a free youth membership to Pheasants Forever, along with a welcome letter and a copy of the Pheasants Forever Magazine.
According to local Pheasants Forever Chapter President Ernie Unger, “We’re glad for the opportunity to work with Idaho Fish and Game on this 
important aspect of our future Idaho Sports men & women!” Nick Gailey, chair of the Upper Snake River Chapter’s Habitat Committee was instrumental in working as a go-between to figure out a way that local sportsmen could provide funds to insure that classes would be available during crunch times.
While nothing is guaranteed, Pheasants Forever hopes to be able and continue with similar support in the future. According to Gailey, “Our hope is that other sportsmen’s groups will come forward to join us in helping to foster the creation of future hunters”. The Upper Snake River Pheasants Forever Chapter will be holding its annual Banquet on January 26, 2012. Unger added, “Support from the community and sportspeople at the Banquet allows us to provide support programs like the Hunter Education courses”.
