RHINELANDER - Wisconsin's new conceal and carry law is slated to take effect later this year and some citizens are preparing by taking safety classes now.

This concealed carry class is educating and certifying its participants to be ready when Wisconsin's law takes effect this fall says Dick Statton, "In Wisconsin, if you've had hunters safety training, law enforcement training or...

honorable discharge from the military you're considered trained for handling a firearm and you can apply for a Wisconsin permit."

But Statton says he wanted to offer his customers at Statton's General Store more training with handguns, "But there's a lot more to it than that and that's why I didn't do a simple class. Why I think it was important to do a more comprehensive class."

Instructor Chandler Myler says, "This is basically to help people with self-protection for when they need it."

Myler says teaching people to handle a firearm properly all revolves around one thing, "Safety. That's my biggest thing, I'm one of the biggest safety freaks you'll probably ever meet. The biggest thing I preach is safety, safety, safety definitely."

Participant David S. Nitschke says, "Because by getting this permit you're taking a big, big, big step. You're carrying a deadly weapon. He goes through it and teaches you the laws."

Nitschke says he wants to know those laws so he's prepared when he heads for his tree stand this fall, "So I can carry the gun on my property and in my vehicles while I'm hunting."

A class, which is priming these students with the knowledge and requirements they'll need to
carry a handgun in Wisconsin.

This safety class is not required to apply for a concealed carry permit in Wisconsin, but is highly recommended so you know your rights and the laws.

Story By: Michael Crusan