This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's a fact of life that whether parents like it or not, their kids will likely be exposed to a gun sometime in their lives.
That's why it isn't a bad idea for kids to take a hunter education and gun safety program from the Division of Wildlife Resources sometime before they hit their teens.
A person may never hunt in their lives but learning gun safety, how to handle a firearm and even how to shoot one can help youngsters deal with a situation in a home of a friend where guns may be available.
Those born after December 31, 1965, must complete a hunter education course before they can hunt.
Hunter education classes are held across Utah. For a schedule or contact information for class instructors, log on to http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/huntereducation.html.
The course is available in a classroom or online. According to DWR hunter education coordinator Kirk Smith, the advantage of the online course is its convenience because it allows students to take a class at a time that works best for them.