The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers a weapon storage program for hunters on campus. 

   The program allows UAM students to check and hold firearms at the Public Safety office during hunting season.  This convenient program gives students on campus a secure place to store their hunting riffles or bows and it keeps the campus free of weapons. 

   The program is easy to use.  “(The student) brings (the gun) in, and we log it and stick it in our gun vault,” Chief John Kidwell said. “You give us the make, model and serial number and we return the gun.” 

   The program helps not only students living on campus but those that commute too.  Students who come to the campus straight from the woods can go to class without going home first. 

    “It will help me out if I’m in a rush,” Jacob Lum said.  “If I forget my gun in my truck I can just take it there and not have to turn around.” 

   Public Safety only stores weapons used for hunting.  They will not store personal handguns and they do not allow them on campus. 

   About 20 or 30 students currently use the program but many more will use it when hunting season draws near.