Wife wants firearm safety. Online or Class?

[mudslinger]

The wife wants to get her firearm safety and we are trying to figure out what is the best method of obtaining it. Anyone had any good or bad experiences with online or class methods? What is best for busy adults? Is shooting involved with both? I imagine so. Thanks in advance for replies.

She gets nervous and does not want to be the only "girl" in the class. Does anyone have a wife or is a female that wants to take the class with my wife??? We are in the Elk River area.

[pipestonestraw]

Mudslinger--

Have a question for ya, does she want to just try hunting? What I mean is does she just want to try it to see if she likes hunting? If that is the case she doensn't have to get a license right away. She can get a one time apprentice license--(She has to be with a licensed hunter at all times but it will let her know if she likes it. This way if she doesn't like hunting she doesn't have to go through the hassle of getting a license. I did this this year with my wife.

[Barbelboy]

Mudslinger,

When my wife (then girlfriend) expressed interest in hunting I had her do the online class. It's easy, she can do it at her own pace and whenever she has time. Plus you can help her through the process and explain in further detail. At the end she has to go take the test (written test and shooting) with all of the other people who have completed either the class or online training. She may be the only adult "girl" there, but there will be other girls. One of the cutest things I've ever seen was the 5-6 young girls gravitate to her and hang out with her during the shooting portion of the test.

The apprentice license is a great idea, but if she decides she likes it I'd go with the online.

[CodyDawg]

I have been teaching FSC for about 10 years and almost every time I have a few adults. It is no big deal. I would recommend the class over online...you just get better instruction for the most part I think. You have to shoot regardless. Also, take it with her. you will learn some little tidbit too and you can then discuss things in more detail that were brought up in class.

[Tom7227]

There is an all woman class being formed at the Sportsmen's Warehouse in Woodbury. Call the store for details. Not real convenient for the original poster, but it's an option if the woman only thing is a big deal.

[S.D. Ice Angular]

mudslinger,

I would recommend to do it in person.

[redhooks]

I agree with taking a class, easier to ask questions and learn from a face. My wife took a women's class in Bemidji years ago,maybe she can find a another female friend interested in the same thing. My wife doesn't hunt but like to come with to handle dogs and I feel better knowing she can handle a gun.

[leech~~]

Mud, I am a Safety instructor also like codydawg, the first class is always awkward for everyone but as they meet others in the class they calm down and feel at easy. Actully woman have done very well in our classes "Because they pay attention" unlike the guys-boys who are trying to out do each others stories and grab-Aing around! She will get a lot more out of going to a class and will injoy it after a few of them. And like Cody said she will have to sign up for a field day with some class or she cannot pass!

[skolfoppa]

My wife took the youth course. She loved it. The kids were naturally unassuming and she felt no intimidation. Maybe something to check out. Thats a big step. Congratulations to the both of you. Maybe she can learn to field dress next. Good luck.

[deadeye]

Ya the class in person is the best way to do it. There is a lot of info that you just cant get online. Plus the people have real life experience that is invaluable. My instructor was a WWII vet and tought much more than just the rules. Lots of fun learing and some good stories too. I think that Bill's has some classes that are just women and might even be tought by women if I remember right.

[mudslinger]

Thanks to all of you that replied. Sounds like she is signing up for the classroom setting, having such support for that option. I think its great she is looking forward to spending time walking fences and hanging out in the duck boat with me and the lab this year. She doesnt plan on coming all the time but thinks a few times would be fun. Now if i can get the birds to cooperate.

[bassman13]

One way is to check out the MN DNR HSOforum where you can look at what classes are being offered. There are many classes our there for adults only and there are many more classes for women only. I know they have a course over one weekend for women only close to Alexandria. You can contact the warden in Evansville for information.

[CodyDawg]

Mudslinger, Take the class with her! She will appreciate and it it will be fun. I have that happen quite a bit.

[deadeye]

Thats a really good idea CodyDawg. Not bad to have a refresher once in a while too.

Glad to hear you found one that wants to go with! Its always fun to share that stuff with the loved ones.