Muzzleloader course to be given in Wheatfield

by Paul Cozad

Hunting season is almost here and the Firearms Permit Review Board of Wheatfield will be giving its annual muzzleloader course from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Wheatfield Community Center.

Although open to all who are interested, this course is primarily a requirement for first-time applicants for a muzzleloader discharge permit in Wheatfield. All permit holders and applicants are required to take this course at least once so all will have this same foundation knowledge in muzzleloading techniques and safety. Others are also welcome to take it as a refresher course or for educational purposes.

The course instructor is Don MacSwan, a well-known firearms expert with 30 years experience in muzzleloading. A certificate will be issued to those taking this course as a requirement for the muzzleloader discharge permit.

There is no course fee and refreshments will be available.

This course is open to anyone 14 years and older (14-17 with parent/adult) interested in muzzleloading, with young adults and women being especially welcome. It can be an educational family affair.

Those interested in taking this course can fill out a registration form available at the town clerk's office. You may also send the name, age, address, and phone number of each person wishing to attend to: Muzzleloader Course, Wheatfield Town Hall, 2800 Church St., North Tonawanda, NY 14120. Visit our website at www.wheatfield.ny.us, then go to Main menu/Groups & committees/Firearms.

With its prime focus on firearm safety, Wheatfield has Firearms Law 1-1975, amended July 15, 2002, prohibiting all rifle discharge within town limits except by permit. At present, muzzleloader rifle discharge permits are being issued only to Wheatfield residents or those who have a vested interest in Wheatfield (e.g., business, family, etc).

There are three Firearms Discharge Areas in Wheatfield, Areas A, B and C. All firearms discharge of any nature is prohibited in Area C. A fine of up to $500 can be levied for illegal firearms discharge and/or for illegal firearms and ammo afield. There are no prohibitions against the legal use of archery in Wheatfield. Copies of the firearms law with area maps are available at the town clerk's office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All inquiries concerning this course or Wheatfield's firearm law can be directed to this writer, chairman FPRB, at 695-2989.