When presents are opened during the holidays, it's quite common for youngsters -- and even a few oldsters -- to find a new firearm inside the colorful wrapping paper and ribbons.

Some of these firearms will be used for hunting and some will be used only for target shooting or the shotgun sports. In either case, the first step beyond peeling the wrapping paper and ribbons from the firearm gift is obtaining knowledge of safe gun handling practices.

And whether one hunts or simply enjoys punching holes in a paper target, Nevada's Hunter Education Program is a great place to get started.

"Some people overlook the Hunter Education Program as a place to learn about gun safety because they don't plan on hunting with their new firearm, but it's still a great place for all shooters to learn the principles of safe gun handling and the ethics associated with the responsible use of firearms in a variety of settings," said Martin Olson, hunter education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

In addition to firearms safety, students are introduced to outdoor ethics, principles of wildlife management and wilderness survival. Information about the class and a course schedule can be found at www.ndow.org.

"One of the important things we teach in the Hunter Education Program is the four principles of safe gun handling," Olson said. "In short, those principles are treat every gun as if it were loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to discharge the firearm, and make sure of your target and what's beyond it. If people will follow these principles, they will greatly reduce their chances of causing a firearm- related accident."

Go to the Web site, www.ndow.org for more information.