RI looking to build understanding of firearms: Free intro class draws diverse crowd

Trying to "demystify" firearms for Rhode Islanders, the state Department of Environmental Management offers a free introduction to firearms class each year.

This year's class will be held Sunday, and it filled up fast with 40 people, according to Branton Elleman, who runs the class for the DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife. He has started a waiting list in case anyone withdraws.

The class, from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., provides instruction "about the basics of modern-day firearms and how to safely operate them," the agency says in a course description.

"Discussions will include a breakdown of all the different types of firearm actions, ammunition, accessories, proper cleaning guidelines, safe storage and personal protective equipment recommendations," the DEM says.

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Experienced instructors will show examples of different firearms. "Hands-on learning will be allowed and encouraged," the DEM says, although guns won't be fired and attendees shouldn't bring their own firearms.

Elleman said, "We want to demystify and inform."

The DEM began offering the course six or seven years ago, according to Elleman. Sometimes the class doesn't fill up. Elleman credits a social media post by the Charlestown Police Department with helping to stir up interest this year.

Typically, the class draws some students who have never touched a firearm, and others who have had some experience but take the class to learn more, Elleman said.

Class draws men, women, variety of ages

Of those who've signed up this year, just over half "have handled or shot a firearm before," according to Evan LaCross, a DEM spokesman. The class is 90% white and evenly split between male and female; there's a wide range of ages, with five minors and the rest "fairly spread out" with birthdates from the 1950s to 1990s, LaCross said.

The DEM says hunting is a good way to manage the wildlife population, including deer, and conserve open space, and it wants to encourage more women and minorities to get involved in hunting and trapping.

Hunting is on the decline nationally and in Rhode Island. In 2022, Rhode Island sold 6,979 resident hunting licenses, according to the DEM, a big drop from the peak of 11,600 in 2000.

The firearms class isn't required to obtain a hunting license in Rhode Island; hunters must complete a separate hunter education course, according to LaCross.

"This class is being offered because building familiarity with the safe operation of firearms supports hunting and the shooting sports," LaCross said.

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The DEM also operates the Great Swamp Shooting Range, Rhode Island's only free, public, outdoor shooting range, LaCross said. The DEM believes "shooting sports provide physical, mental and social benefits to participants," he said.

Taxes on firearms, ammunition support conservation

Special taxes paid on firearms and ammunition purchases have funded conservation programs and wildlife habitat projects in Rhode Island and across the country, LaCross said.

He said the taxes paid by hunters and target shooters have also helped the DEM's wildlife research and monitoring efforts.

"Without the contribution of hunters and sports shooters," he said, the "DEM would not be able to conserve and protect our state's wildlife."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI DEM's firearms classes aim to 'demystify' guns for people of all ages