PEMBINE, Wis. - Thirteen students earned Hunter Safety Certification at a class held at the Pembine School.

In addition to attending all classes and passing a written test, students had to pass a practical "hands on" test. This involved demonstrating to an instructor their knowledge of responsible and safe firearm handling.

The last day of class was range day, which was held at the Dunbar Sportsman's Club. Here the students put their recently acquired skills to use safely firing both rifles and shotguns.

The day concluded with a basic compass course and a simulated blood trail/deer tagging exercise. Following their written test, everyone enjoyed a wild game feed of bear and venison put on by their instructors and parents.

Students who earned Hunter Safety Certification were Austin Bolssen, Aubrey Casey, Jordan Davis, Josh Grandaw, Carmen Hirte, Joe McTrusty, Hailey Moncher, Damon Newingham, Tyler Nushart, Kevin Provencher, Brent Taylor, Brittany Toll and Nicole Toll.

Mark Grandaw and the Dunbar Sportsman's Club sponsored the class. The club provided the use of its range, clay birds, shells, shooting glasses and ear plugs.

Also contributing were the Pembine School, which provided the classroom; Pembine Food Depot, snacks and drinks; and the Ruffed Grouse Society, hats.

State-certified hunter safety instructors who volunteer for the program include Jim Ivacko, Mark Grandaw, John Blayney, Bill Hanson, Joel DalSanto, Dave Szprejda, Paul Veirauch, Bob Grandaw and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Dave Oginski.

Other volunteers included Chris Willis and DNR Wildlife Biologist Dave Halfmann.