Outdoor notes: Hunter education; online parks reservation system; Jordanelle slip auctions

Become a hunter education instructor

Have you ever thought about sharing your passion for hunting with someone else? You can by serving as a volunteer hunter education course instructor.

Starting in January, the Division of Wildlife Resources will train new instructors at classes in Salt Lake City, Brigham City, Logan and Springville.

The DWR will also hold classes in southern Utah this spring.

"You can make an amazing difference in the life of a young person by volunteering to serve," says Kirk Smith, assistant hunter education coordinator for the DWR.

"And don't be concerned if you don't have any experience teaching young people. Our training will help prepare you to be a good Hunter Education instructor."

The instructor training is free. More information about the training — including dates and locations — is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation/instructors.

Or you can reach Smith at 1-800-397-6999.

Utah State Parks upgrades online reservation system

SALT LAKE CITY — Beginning in January, the Division of Utah State Parks and Recreation will be offering a new online reservation system featuring updated site descriptions, campground maps, high-quality park photos and the ability to transfer and cancel reservations.

"We are excited about the new system and upgraded features," said reservation manager Emily Hearndon. "Using our customers' suggestions, we made the online reservations site more informative and functional. The call center still offers the same great service, but now offers customers more options."

In addition to the new system, the reservation cancellation policy has been improved. Customers may now cancel a reservation up to four days in advance, instead of seven days. Cancellations made four or more days in advance of the scheduled arrival date (14 days for group sites) will receive a refund less the non-refundable reservation fee and a $5 cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than four days in advance (14 days for group sites) will receive a refund less the non-refundable reservation fee, $5 cancellation fee and first-night camping fee.

The reservation office will be closed Jan. 1-19 to implement the new system. No new inventory will open during this time.

Reservations for April 29 through May 26 can be made beginning Jan. 28 at 7 a.m.

To make a reservation or for more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov or call 800-322-3770.