COPELAND URGES EXEMPTIONS TO TRAINING

State Rep. Gene Copeland has won House approval of a resolution recommending that the Department of Conservation exempt certain people from its required hunter-safety courses.

The New Madrid Democrat said there is no reason to force law enforcement personnel, active military personnel, and retired military personnel to take the safety courses that are basically designed for seventh-graders.

Said Copeland: "These individuals have already been certified in the safe and responsible use of firearms through their involvement with the law enforcement profession and the military. They do not require additional training."

Copeland's resolution, which was taken up during the General Assembly's special session, asks the Conservation Commission to revise state policy to allow the exemptions.

Since 1988, the Department of Conservation has required hunter education training for individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, before they could purchase a firearms hunting permit.

Copeland said the regulation is "silly" for individuals who have already received extensive training in firearms.

"It has to be an embarrassment to sit in class with fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders," said Copeland. "I don't think the Conservation Commission really thought about it."

The lawmaker admitted the legislature cannot legally force a change in the policy.

"All we can do is recommend and hope," said Copeland. "But I have found widespread support for this among my colleagues; many of them have received a lot of complaints.

Among them is Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau. "I think it's a good idea that makes a lot of sense," said Kasten. "I have received a lot of calls complaining about it."

Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, cosponsored the resolution. "The bottom line is, why should someone with police or military training be required to take a course that is basically designed for seventh- and eighth-graders?" said Thomason. "There is no logic to it."