It feels as though we are still in the thick of summer now, but West Virginia’s hunting seasons start at the end of this month, with the Aug. 30 kick off of the early split of the black bear firearms season. Then there’s squirrel season; bow season for deer, black bear and wild boar; turkey season; early firearms season for antlerless deer and of course, traditional buck firearms season running Nov. 24 to Dec. 7.

If the thought of all those excuses to spend a little time in the woods has got you ready to break out the orange, hold on a minute. Have you completed your hunter education course? Do you have your hunting license?

If you haven’t, it’s time to get those things done.

“Taking this (hunter education) class is the first step toward becoming part of West Virginia’s proud hunting tradition,” said Natural Resources Police Col. Bobby Cales. “We emphasize the rules and regulations of our state, but also the responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm and being in the woods.”

If you plan to hunt somewhere other than West Virginia this year, you may still need proof of having completed the class before they will give you a license.

This is about safety, ethics and conservation. It’s about having the tools you need to really enjoy your hunting experience. And, it’s the law.

“Hunter education is the foundation of safe and responsible hunting,” said West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion.

If you haven’t already taken care of these requirements, don’t wait until it is too late to worry about. Get it taken care of now.