AGSC - 381

Hunter Education

What is Hunter Education?

• the movement to improve sport hunting

• started in the early 1900’s • in 1928, Seth Gordon wrote the

code of outdoor ethics stressing safety, respect for others, wildlife and property rights

What is Hunter Education?

• in 1972, the state hunter education coordinators organized the North American Association of Hunter Safety Coordinators (NAAHSC – renamed Hunter Education Association in 1989)

What is Hunter Education?

• the Association oversees the goals of hunter education

• it is the responsibility of each state to certify students and instructors

• ensures a promising future for all hunters

Main Goal

• safety • knowledge• responsibility• involvement• skill• attitude

Mandatory Requirements in Texas

• Who must attend?– hunters whose date of birth is on or

after September 2, 1971

Mandatory Requirements in Texas

• When did the program start?– The program started June 1, 1988

Mandatory Requirements in Texas

• Who is exempt?– hunters whose date of birth is on or before September 1, 1971– hunters who have been certified in the voluntary Texas Hunters

Safety (education) program– hunters who have been certified through another state’s

resource agency (check with Texas Parks and Wildlife)

Mandatory Requirements in Texas

• Successful Completion– must attend a minimum of ten hours in two or more days– must be evaluated by instructor as acceptable in knowledge, skill and attitude– must have a minimum 70% score on exam– certification is good for life and accepted in other states as well as Canadian provinces– proof of certification must be carried at all times with firearms and archery equipment– Course fee is $5.00

Hunting Leases

• Private hunting opportunities– about 96% of Texas hunting lands are privately owned– landowners play a key role in your opportunity to hunt– Texans are able to hunt these private lands because

• they own the land• the hunter receives permission to hunt• the hunter pays for the privilege

Hunting Leases

• A hunting lease is private land where a landowner provides access to hunters after certain arrangements are made– leases provide a family the chance to have their own place to escape– can provide many quality moments– gives hunters a sense of ownership and promotes responsibility

Hunting Leases

• How to find hunting leases– Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Deer

Hunting Lease Register)– Soil Conservation Service (Hunter’s

Clearinghouse)

Lesson Activity

• Select a partner • On a poster or paper (use markers) briefly explain the most

important areas of…….– Hunter Education– Hunter Education in Texas – Mandatory Requirements – Hunting Leases