Jenningston, WV – Hunter education classes are not just for die-hard hunters intent on bagging a trophy buck or putting food in the freezer. They are also beneficial for people who want to understand hunting ethics or learn more about survival skills and how to safely handle a firearm at all times. Mama Bear Protection is offering FREE hunter safety classes in cooperation with WVDNR (West Virginia Division of National Resources). These classes teach participants the necessary skills and knowledge needed to hunt safely and responsibly.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, must successfully complete a certified Hunter Education Course before purchasing a base hunting license. Mama Bear Protection will offer the Hands-On and Written Test on select dates: February 8, April 12, May 9, June 21, July 12, August 9, October 11, and November 8. Participants can take part of the class online and part in person, before taking the test. Sponsored by Mama Bear Protection and The West Virginia School Of Traditional Skills, these tests will take place at the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast located at 417 Jenningston Farm Rd. in Bowden, WV. All of these businesses are managed by Marsha Waybright. Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals classes will be offered on the same dates from 3 – 7 pm.
Topics discussed include gun safety, wildlife management, ethics, survival/first aid, game identification, and how to hunt safely and ethically. Classes generally take 12 hours to complete and a certificate of completion must be presented when purchasing a hunting license for the first time. Students who have not reached their 10th birthday by the written test date of the class will not receive a permanent hunter education certification.
Mama Bear Protection offers both the Hands-On and Written Test and the Traditional Hunter Education Test. The Hands-On and Written Test is FREE. First complete the online course, then register for the hands-on and written test, which is about 4 hours. Print your certificate of completion from the online course then register to take the test. Bring your certificate with you when you come to take the test at the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast. The Traditional Hunter Education Test is an in-person class. Participants can sign up for the class online for FREE and attend to listen to volunteer instructors and natural resources police officers relate their expertise and hunting experiences. You will have the chance to speak with fellow hunters during class breaks, and become familiar with the entire hunting experience. This class is a total of 10 hours.
Mama Bear Protection also offers a Firearms Refresher Course. At Mama Bear Protection, we believe knowledge is power – and protection! If you are looking to refresh your hunting skills, get more comfortable handling rifles and shotguns, or simply want to become more confident with firearms, this is the perfect course to do so.
CPR/First Aid/AED Training Classes will be offered February 22, March 22, April 26 and May 17. Taken online and in-person, participants receive a two-year Basic Life Support digital certificate upon completion. Private classes are offered as well.
The Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast is surrounded by the 250-acre Laurel Fork Educational Farm, your headquarters for adventure. A stay at the farm lets you enjoy a great breakfast before joining in on the fun without having to go anywhere. There’s no better great place to experience West Virginia! And be sure to check out Waybright’s podcast and catch her live on the YouTube channel, The Waybright Family, Experience West Virginia With Us, every first Monday of the month at 5:30pm throughout 2025.
To register for classes or for more information about Mama Bear Protection, the Laurel River Club B&B, and upcoming classes through the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, or to book a stay, please visit www.lrcbnb.com or call (304) 402-7095. Find more info on Facebook, Instagram, TikToc and YouTube.