MONTE VISTA—One the greatest reasons to live in Monte Vista is the accessibility to the great outdoors. There are great outdoorsmen and women that have passed down through generations the love for hunting and fishing. This passion all begins with the education through hunter safety courses.
Most people can remember the first time they took this course, whether as a beginner at the age of 10 or later in life, the memories of watching the wildlife officers and recalling all “the commandments” will always be an indelible mark in their lives.
Recently, the Monte Vista Colorado Parks and Wildlife held their yearly Hunters’ Education Class. The 22 participants ranged from ages nine to “adulthood” and some traveled from South Fork and Alamosa. The dated videos/handbook have been replaced with YouTube videos and 2010 Hunter Education tools that engage both the novice and experienced participants. Officers Jeremy Gallegos, Tony Aloia, Luke Hoffman, and newcomer Clayton Bondurant have been in service up to 15 years in the San Luis Valley and have enjoyed the many opportunities to both educate and protect parks and wildlife.
This free course has been offered to hunters of all ages for decades. The course includes 10 hours of education for hunter safety and survival. Each participant is also required to pass both a written and live fire test in order to earn their coveted Hunter Education card. To learn more about the availability of this course, hunting/fishing regulations and other Colorado Parks and Wildlife information, please visit www.cpw.state.co.us