The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Advanced Hunter Education Program has begun to schedule its clinics for 2017. So far, next year’s roster includes Wilderness First Aid, Wild Turkey Hunting, Deer Hunting, Big Game Packing and Land Navigation. Some spaces are also still available for the few remaining 2016 clinics (Wild Game Cooking, Waterfowl Hunting, Wilderness First Aid and Wild Pig Hunting).

More clinics will be scheduled in the coming weeks, including three that will be offered for the first time: Wilderness Survival, Hunting with Air Guns and Game Processing.

Hunting clinics are beneficial both for new hunters and those who just want to try something new. A typical clinic might cover a range of topics including natural history, biology, hunting opportunities, applying for hunts, game care and game processing.

Clinics are open to students of all skill levels and ages, from beginner to advanced. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All clinics are free, but participants must pre-register. Space is limited in each clinic and signups are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

To find out more about class offerings and to register, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/huntered/advanced/. Classes will be added to the schedule throughout the year, so check back frequently. Clinics will open for registration approximately three months prior to the class.

For more information, contact Lt. Alan Gregory at (209) 274-9923.