Drizzt
Member
Posted on Wed, Jan. 08, 2003
It's a well-known rule: Don't bring a gun to school, ever
SARAH WESSOLOWSKI
Associated Press
PULASKI, Wis. - It's a well-known rule: Don't bring a gun to school, ever.
But 61-year-old Ed Brunette of Seymour brings guns to school twice a week for five weeks in the spring and fall to show his students safe ways to handle a weapon. For 28 years Brunette has been teaching a free hunter education course at Pulaski Middle School to students 11 years old and older.
"Being able to instill in people the idea that there's nothing like being in the outdoors" - Brunette said that's what makes him return every year.
Brunette is an experienced hunter, gun handler and instructor. He is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. His wife, Mary, has been teaching for 23 years. Between the two, they've taught 3,000 to 4,000 people.
"We don't want to lose our right to hunt," Mary said, naming one of the many reasons she continues to teach. "Mainly it's a camaraderie when family and friends get together. It's a sport just like snowmobiling."
Jim Brawner, Pulaski's director of community education, said the community and school district owe the Brunettes a debt of gratitude.
"The Brunettes have been so gracious about offering this program for years," Brawner said. "They've been wonderful folks to work with. For the thousands of youngsters and oldsters who have gone through the program, all I can say is 'Thank you.'"
Safety is the main thing the Brunettes instill in their students. Ed even uses stories of factual accidents to "put the fear of God in his students," Mary said.
He told a story of an 11-year-old boy who was hunting in the woods with his 14-year-old brother. When the younger boy bent down and neglected to hold his firearm in a safe direction - upright - he fatally shot his older brother between the eyes.
For students like Steven Miller and Travis VerBrugen, both 12, the stories are the best part.
"They help you learn and know what not to do," Miller said.
At the snap of a finger, the two students from Pulaski Middle School can rattle off the hunter's education credo: "Treat every gun as if it's loaded. Know your target and what's beyond. Point your muzzle in a safe direction."
Forrest Brunette, Ed's son, also has been teaching hunter safety courses for 10 years. He reminds his pupils that you are much safer with a firearm is you believe it's potentially hazardous.
"I try teaching what really can't be taught," he said. "I don't think there's a right or wrong in hunting."
He said ethical issues can be taught but can better be learned while hunting, not in class. Though most students in the current class are youngsters, parents often take the class with their kids for the experience of going through it together.
"The main remark we get from adults is that 'We learned something we didn't know' and that makes you feel good," Mary Brunette said.
"There's no end to learning. It's how much you learn after you think you know everything," Ed said.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/4901268.htm
It's a well-known rule: Don't bring a gun to school, ever
SARAH WESSOLOWSKI
Associated Press
PULASKI, Wis. - It's a well-known rule: Don't bring a gun to school, ever.
But 61-year-old Ed Brunette of Seymour brings guns to school twice a week for five weeks in the spring and fall to show his students safe ways to handle a weapon. For 28 years Brunette has been teaching a free hunter education course at Pulaski Middle School to students 11 years old and older.
"Being able to instill in people the idea that there's nothing like being in the outdoors" - Brunette said that's what makes him return every year.
Brunette is an experienced hunter, gun handler and instructor. He is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. His wife, Mary, has been teaching for 23 years. Between the two, they've taught 3,000 to 4,000 people.
"We don't want to lose our right to hunt," Mary said, naming one of the many reasons she continues to teach. "Mainly it's a camaraderie when family and friends get together. It's a sport just like snowmobiling."
Jim Brawner, Pulaski's director of community education, said the community and school district owe the Brunettes a debt of gratitude.
"The Brunettes have been so gracious about offering this program for years," Brawner said. "They've been wonderful folks to work with. For the thousands of youngsters and oldsters who have gone through the program, all I can say is 'Thank you.'"
Safety is the main thing the Brunettes instill in their students. Ed even uses stories of factual accidents to "put the fear of God in his students," Mary said.
He told a story of an 11-year-old boy who was hunting in the woods with his 14-year-old brother. When the younger boy bent down and neglected to hold his firearm in a safe direction - upright - he fatally shot his older brother between the eyes.
For students like Steven Miller and Travis VerBrugen, both 12, the stories are the best part.
"They help you learn and know what not to do," Miller said.
At the snap of a finger, the two students from Pulaski Middle School can rattle off the hunter's education credo: "Treat every gun as if it's loaded. Know your target and what's beyond. Point your muzzle in a safe direction."
Forrest Brunette, Ed's son, also has been teaching hunter safety courses for 10 years. He reminds his pupils that you are much safer with a firearm is you believe it's potentially hazardous.
"I try teaching what really can't be taught," he said. "I don't think there's a right or wrong in hunting."
He said ethical issues can be taught but can better be learned while hunting, not in class. Though most students in the current class are youngsters, parents often take the class with their kids for the experience of going through it together.
"The main remark we get from adults is that 'We learned something we didn't know' and that makes you feel good," Mary Brunette said.
"There's no end to learning. It's how much you learn after you think you know everything," Ed said.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/4901268.htm
