[rebbryan]

class last year got cancelled and haven't had time to do it since :rolleyes: so anyways, what all do they tell you/teach you in the class? i've read probably 20 books on hunting so i'm not a "noobie". i got everything i need, just need the class

[jmbg29]

Were you able to get a copy of the handbook they give out for class? We give them out to anyone that wants them so they can familiarize themselves with the contents of the course.

In the class that I teach you would need to know about the fundamentals of the following:

Firearms safety

That is #1 at all times. That means that you must be able to demonstrate that you use proper handling techniques, muzzle control, situational awareness (like when do you need to change your carry method in order to protect those around you), zones of fire, an ability to safely load, unload, check for clear, etc... And be able to explain why they are important.

Types of firearms

Types of archery gear used for hunting, and their special safety considerations.

Muzzleloaders (and their safe use)

First Aid (just the most basic stuff)

Survival techniques

Land navigation (you need to know how to use a compass, take/follow a bearing, and read a topographical map.

Wildlife Conservation (its history, the concepts behind it, the real world outcome of modern conservation methods, and what they mean)

El Tejon will be happy to give you the rundown on the part about the Pittman-Robertson Act :D

Sportsmanship/Ethics (and why they are important)

Wildlife Identification

Field Dressing and Care of Game Meat

Hunting Regulations and Firearms Laws related to hunting.

Range demonstration and hands on safe use of the firearms (including live fire).

Field Course hunting simulation that includes:

Handling a real firearm safely throughout the entirety of the course (about 45 minutes, NO safety violations)

Obtaining the proper (simulated) license/tags for your hunt.

Asking the landowner's permission.

Navigating the course, crossing obstacles such as barbed wire fences safely.

Proper identification of the many animal silhouettes on the course, and do you have a tag for that animal? Plus you must be able to tell us whether or not your shot opportunity would be a safe one.

And most important of all, demonstrate to the instructors that you would be the kind of person that we would feel safe hunting with.

Pass a written test with a minimum score of 60%

And be subjectively scored by all of the instructors (three of us) as to your skills, behavior in class, and attitude.


If you can do all of those things already, you should do very well.

[Greybeard]

It's great that you have alreday been reading up already.

Hunter Education course content is somewhat standardized, but then again, can vary appreciably in different areas and from one instructor to another.

The first formal Hunter Ed. classes (in the U.S. anyway) were done in New York state well over 50 years ago. Some states have even adopted a "home study" option where approximately 1/2 of the time spent in acquiring certification can be completed via sites such as http://www.ihea.com/. This option evolved from a "home study" program first done by Texas Parks & Wildlife in the late 1990s. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/edu/homestudy/

The "completion" portion of the class in Texas requires at least 4 hours at a "testing site" with emphasis on smaller classes and "hands on" activities. The lesson plan used in 5-hour classes where I teach include (1) Safety, (2) Ethics, (3) a "Hunter Skills Trail", (4) a little bit of shooting with .22 rifles, and (5) a written test - with 80% required for a "pass". The actual written test is based upon primarily the material that is covered in the "home study" portion, not necessarily what is taught in class.

The theory with these types of courses is that much of the "knowledge" can be obtained via home study, with "skills" being more readily learned with "hands on" work. The third element of learning is of course "attitude", which is something that can not necessarily be "taught". But it can be "caught" - from the people you are around. ' Looks like you are heading in the right direction. :)

[rebbryan]

no they didnt' have any books or anything for it. i asked the DNR guy at the range about it and the guy who does it and he said the guy's a county officer and teaches it "hands on" and said he's good. i hope they "hands on" the skinning part (doubt that'll be possible though) b/c i just don't understand the books on it that great, i learn best by watching. it's 8 hours, 9-5, and we bring a lunch, mmmmm :p i've read through all the rules and regs so that should help