Have you ever thought of learning handgun safety or marksmanship? Why not learn from the professionals?

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors will be in Orange Beach Wednesday, March 20 to teach Handgun 101.

The 101 series of classes focus on firearm safety and marksmanship in a family-friendly and low-stress environment. The Handgun 101 class is open to anyone 16 years old and older. The best part is the class is free to anyone with a current Hunting or Wildlife Management Area License or a Wildlife Heritage License (which costs $13.30).

The four-hour class covers:

• Safe handling and storage of handguns
• The parts of semi-auto pistols and revolvers
• Marksmanship
• Live fire on paper and steel targets

Retired Orange Beach logistics and safety coordinator, Chris Litton has been teaching gun safety and hunters education for over 15 years in Orange Beach and will join the ADCNR firearms instructors for the class. Litton said this class is good for anyone and is a terrific value because you will shoot more ammo than it costs to purchase the $13.30 Wildlife Heritage License.

Participants will be provided with everything needed for the class including eye and ear protection, handguns and ammunition. The only thing students should bring is water, snacks, sunscreen, note-taking material and a brimmed hat.

The class is located at the Orange Beach Police Department Shooting Range, 23111 Russian Road, Orange Beach.

Participants are encouraged to register soon because class capacity is limited. To participate, interested individuals need to register at www.outdooralabama.com.

To learn more about ADCNR events and programs such as Handgun 101, Youth Dove Hunts, Project Wild and Go Fish, Alabama, visit www.outdooralabama.com.