New Firearms Safety Training Partner Secured

People who want to hunt can soon register for courses to help keep themselves and others safe in the woods.

Hnatiuk's Hunting and Fishing Ltd., a hunting and fishing outfitter in Lantz, Hants Co., will co-ordinate firearms safety training and hunter education courses for about 6,000 Nova Scotians each year. Courses will be available this spring.

"Firearms safety training is an important part of making our communities safer," said Ross Landry, Minister of Justice. "Nova Scotians rely on these programs to ensure they are fully trained to safely own, use and store a firearm."

Anyone who wants to own a firearm or take the Nova Scotia Hunter Education course must first pass safety training. Hnatiuk's will work with local instructors to set up these safety courses in locations across Nova Scotia and at a new training centre in Shubenacadie. Online registration is available to make the process easier and more efficient.

"I like the fact that the Canadian Firearms and hunter education courses are being delivered by one organization and you can register for both at the same site," said Bill Boutilier, president of The Big Game Society of Nova Scotia. "I'm confident Hnatiuk's will do a good job."

The delivery of firearms safety courses is part of the Provincial Firearms Safety program and is funded by the federal government. The contract to offer the firearms safety and hunter education courses was put to tender earlier this year. The courses were previously offered by two different providers. The fees will remain the same.

"Hnatiuk's Hunting and Fishing Ltd. has been supplying Nova Scotians with quality hunting and fishing equipment for seven years. We're pleased to be chosen to deliver these very important safety courses," said owner Jim Hnatiuk. "We're working hard to ensure the courses are available to the public as soon as possible and look forward to providing this training."

To register for firearms safety and hunter education training, visit www.hmcgroup.ca/education/.

For more information about the courses e-mail Amy Cooke, Hnatiuk's training co-ordinator, at <hnatiukstrainingcenter@gmail.com.>