Nine area students recently completed the 2025 HuntSAFE program, gaining valuable knowledge in firearm safety and responsibility. Participants represented communities across the region, including Wessington Springs, Woonsocket, Plankinton and Aberdeen.
The group completed two evening sessions of classroom instruction before heading to the range for live-fire training on Saturday, Sept. 13. Students who earned their HuntSAFE certification were Blake Everson, Keaton Hasty, Bailey Mentele, Crawleigh Reiner, Maverick Roduner, Weston Roduner, Kayson Swan, Brody Thompson and Devin VanDyke.
Instructors for the course included Steve Winter, Wayne Grohs, Jason Weber, Bernie Maxwell, Dayle Winter and Bryce Kopfmann. Instructors not pictured were Dawn Lake, Paul Sheldon and Lynn Geuke, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks conservation officer.
The Jerauld County Trap Club, which hosted the event, continues to support youth shooting sports and outdoor education. The club is currently selling chances on a shotgun and cooler, with proceeds helping fund local youth shooting programs.