17-2-34: Hunter training program; instructor certification; certificate of competency.

A. The department of game and fish [department of wildlife] shall provide a course instruction in the safe handling of firearms for individuals interested in obtaining a certificate of competency in the safe handling of firearms. The department may cooperate with the superintendent of public instruction or any reputable association or organization as determined by the department and having as one of its objectives the promotion of safety in firearm handling.

B. The department of game and fish [department of wildlife] shall prescribe the type of instruction and the qualifications of instructors and shall designate annually those persons qualified to give instruction in the safe handling of firearms. Persons designated by the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] to be instructors are authorized to give the course of instruction in the safe handling of firearms to all interested persons. Upon the completion of the course and certification to the department by the instructor, the department shall cause to be issued, to the person instructed, a certificate of competency in the safe handling of firearms, which shall be valid unless revoked by the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] for such cause as determined by regulation of the department to be unsafe handling of a firearm.

C. The department of game and fish [department of wildlife] shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the Hunter Training Act [17-2-33 NMSA 1978].