A free Palmer class to turn beginners into bird hunters

Ever wanted to try bird hunting but had no idea where to start — no gun, no dog, no clue? Alaska Fish and Game's Alaskans Afield program has a day built for exactly that.

The free Introduction to Upland Bird Hunting class runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Boyd's Farm in Palmer. Firearms and ammunition are provided, so you can show up empty-handed. It's designed for adults and families new to hunting, with the goal of sending people home confident enough to head out on their own.

The day covers the essentials — firearm and field safety, habitat and regulations, and bird cleaning — plus dog demonstrations and instructor-led hunts out in the field. The Alaska-Yukon chapter of NAVHDA sponsors the pointing-dog side of things.

The timing is the selling point. Alaska's upland bird season generally opens Aug. 10, so you can put the class to use that same weekend.

A few requirements before you sign up: you'll need to finish Hunter Education first, the class is open to ages 12 and up, and anyone under 18 has to bring a registered adult.

Register at alaskansafield.adfg.alaska.gov, or reach Hunter Education Coordinator Burl Dickman at [email protected] or 861-2113.