For Release: August 27, 1997

Contact: Michael Lapisky 277-3075 or 789-3094

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold a new hunter education course, focusing on hunter ethics and landowner relations.

"Our objectives," said Michael Lapisky, DEM's Deputy Chief of Wildlife Resources, "are to foster positive relations between hunters and private landowners, and to develop a pool of ethical, knowledgeable hunters for use in sensitive damage control situations.

"DEM has responded to over 70 deer damage complaints statewide in the past year, and, in many instances, farmers have been reluctant to utilize hunting as a management tool. Graduates of this course will be listed in a registry which can be referenced by landowners seeking hunters to voluntarily alleviate deer damage on their property," Lapisky said.

The free course, taught by DEM staff, will consist of home study, four hours of classroom training, and proficiency testing using a shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow. Registration is open to individuals 18 years of age or over who have successfully completed a basic hunter education course. Applicants must be free of DEM Fish and Wildlife violations for a minimum of five years and possess a current Rhode Island hunting license. Upon successful completion of the classroom portion and proficiency test, students will be issued certification cards and be placed on a registry available to private landowners.

The first class is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. at the Arnold Conference Center in Cranston. Classes will be held on a limited basis and pre-registration is required, so those interested should apply as soon as possible, Lapisky said.

Applications and additional information can be obtained by contacting DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife at 277-3075 or 789-7055.