SALEM HUNTING CLUBINSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES

Safety main focus at concealed carry class By KEVIN HOWELL

POSTED: January 16, 2009

SALEM - At The Salem Hunting Club, safety is priority number one. That is why the club provides Concealed Carry License classes that offer participants an extra measure of safety- legally. "With the recent passing of Concealed Carry laws in Ohio, adults over the age of 21 can, with proper state-mandated training, carry a concealed handgun," said Jay Klein, the club's public relations officer. "As an organization that clearly has ties to firearms, The Salem Hunting Club feels an obligation to offer classes that will give people a better understanding of the many facets involved with the responsibility of carrying a gun." Participants can earn their accreditation for the license by completing one 12-hour class at the club. What began as just one class taught by current Perry Township Police Chief Mike Emigh, the classes are now offered monthly and taught by Chris Harben, a certified instructor from Tiffin, Ohio. "People want to defend themselves- if needed," said Klein. "These classes teach how to properly use a gun in extreme emergencies. Finding experienced, well-educated instructors is vital for assuring students taking these classes will be receiving the best possible information available. We've accomplished that with the instructors who have taught the classes at our club." Not just for gun enthusiasts, though, the classes attract a wide range of students, Klein said, adding that the previous class included a three-time Purple Heart recipient, a surgeon and five women. And Harben agreed that the class is for everybody. "The end result is a responsible citizen better prepared to exercise a civil right," said Harben. "We focus on the safety aspect of firearms, so when people are in emergencies, they have the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves." According to Harben, the class has three main topics- safety, ability and laws. Safety: Harben teaches how to handle the gun properly, how it functions and the parts of the firearm and their names, as well as many other logistical pieces of information. Ability: Harben said the class increases the confidence of participants to use a firearm in self-defense if needed. "It's important for people to not only know how to use a gun, but to feel confident to use it in stressful situations," he said. Laws: Harben said the class also increases participants' understanding of laws regarding firearm use. "It's important for us as non-law enforcement officials to know the laws because we aren't given the benefit of the doubt when mistakes are made," he said. The 12-hour, one-day classes cost $90 each and participants must provide their own handguns and ammunition and eye and ear protection, as well as dress for the weather, as they will be required to use the range.

Even though the January class is filled, prospective students seeking information on the program or wishing to register for the Feb. 28 class may visit

www.salemhuntingclubofohio.com.

Kevin Howell can be reached.

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