GULF SHORES, Ala. — Junior hunters will get a first hand lesson Saturday as the Orange Beach Recreation Center hosts its inaugural youth dove hunt.

On Jan. 10, future outdoorsmen and women will get the opportunity to take their hunting and firearm knowledge to the field.

“We believe in education over abstinence when it come to gun safety,” rec center co-manager Chris Litton said.

Litton teaches a hunter education course in Orange Beach and said the hunt is an extension of those lessons.

“We can only teach them so much in a classroom,” Litton said. “And this is a way for them to have an experienced hunt in a controlled environment.”

Children aged 8 to 15 are encouraged to take part in the informative hunt, which will occur at Alligator Alley in Summerdale.

Litton said 20 spots are still available. Each child is required to bring an adult, 21 years old or older, and each spot includes space for both child and chaperone.

There is a $10 registration fee and participants can register at the recreation center. Children under 12 have to use a single shot gun, and eye and hearing protection is required for everyone.

The event will start at 12:30 p.m. with a provided lunch followed by a safety course. The course will include education on hunting regulations and laws.

Regional Hunter Education Coordinator for South Alabama James Altiere said the course will teach the kids the legalities of hunting, as well as the safety of handling their guns.

“It’s important for firearm safety and handling to be taught,” Altiere said.

“This is a good way to teach good handling.”

Topics like muzzle handling, group hunting, when to shoot and when to refrain will all be discussed.

“This is a good way to instill the responsibility of a firearm,” Altiere said.

For more information contact Litton at 981-6028.