Just under a dozen students at the local middle and high schools took part in a two-week hunter education course, earning their certifications in the process.

The course was led by Winston Davies, who teaches the district's Alaska skills course.

"It's the first time to my knowledge that hunter safety has been taught here in years," he explained. The state-approved curriculum provides a

well-rounded course, covering firearms safety training, wildlife conservation, and respect for natural resources, landowners and other hunters. Originally it was supposed to be an all-high school class, but...