Have the hunting course changed? Ran Into a New hunter

[Mattones]

I ran into a guy this evening while I was out who just got his hunting license. He asked what I hunt as I guess my camo Remington hat gave it away. I told him and he said he just got his license and has been out hunting the past few days. I asked what he was hunting and his response was 'anything... hopefully i kill a deer'

I wasn't sure if he was joking or was actually Serious. I did mention that deer was out of season as of the end of Dec but reopens in October.

He said 'thankfully I didn't shoot a deer then and laughed.' I had to walk away.

Since its been a LONG time since i took the course My question is does the Hunters Ed course make sure people know that there are seasons for wild game? Or was this dufus just not listening and some how slipped through the cracks and passed?

kind of irritates me knowing these people are out there who managed to pass this course. I have heard from a few people that no one fails the hunters Ed course. The instructor "helps you out" if you did fail the first time around rather then tell you to retake the course.

any instructors on here??

[mbhunter]

Oh man I hope he was just yanking your chain....

[kickingfrog]

Heavy emphasis on safety in the hunter safety course. The onus is on the hunter to then figure out the seasons in the area(s) that they hunt. The course is also taught across the province and it's meant to be somewhat generic and consistent.

[fratri]

Well I sat in on part of the course my son took a few months back and a couple of guys did fail. They were given the chance to go back two weeks later to rewrite the test. The instructor did give them the option of sitting in on all/part of the course again or just show up at the end and rewrite.... So I guess it all depends on the instructor, my sons happened to be a good one....

But ya.... too bad you have guys that think a hunting license is a license to kill ....

All instructors should be reinforcing the hunting seasons/regs for all applicants......and possibly reminding them that hunting is only one of the tools used to manage our wildlife and it isn't a license to just kill things.....
Guys like that will give us all a bad name..

[gooseman]

Same thing here, I attend our local jr hockey for a few nights out and a young fellow that found out that I hunt, seems to search for me to tell me about his hunting adventures. At first I thought he was joking about his actions but then realized he was serious. I tried to explain to him my thoughts on his practises but he just laughed. He would tell me about all the ducks he would shoot not having a clue what they were before he shot them. His plan was just sort them after. During our local controlled hunt he hit a few but wasn't able to track them and the stories just kept coming. This young man in his early 20's has a learning disability and unfortunately comes across as one that would be scary with a gun. Not sure how he got thru the hunter exams but if he can pass them then they can't be much to them anymore.

[TurkeyRookie]

I remember not to long ago someone had posted up some pictures, (may have been of the Turkey course) where the MNR made an appearance and did a presentation, etc. I think that would be a great addition to the hunters ed course.

[greatwhite]

When my buddy took the course they actually went over the whole regs book.

[MikePal]

When my buddy took the course they actually went over the whole regs book.

Mine too...actually he spent a long time ensuring that we knew how to find our way thru the different sections and we were tested in the end by having to use the regs to find a couple of answers.

Some times I find talking to young guys what comes across is the false bravado when they are telling you their stories. I don't take too much of it to seriously.

[Fox]

When I did the course they pointed out the book and said to READ IT, yes they yelled it at us.

They do not test on regulations and they assume that you read the rules, no different than a fishing license for regulations.

Safety is the main concern of the firearms/hunter safety course but that as well needs to be practiced. I am glad that I had my father as a mentor for hunting, he is actually taking out a few youngsters in the area that are interested in hunting but do not have hunters in the family and I am passing along what he taught me to my fiancee.

I think this kid just wanted to go kill something and if there is nobody there to get him straight that is a big problem.

[icemilitia]

I did my courses almost a year ago. They do go through the reg book with you. And on the plus side you get one in your package when you show up for class. I really hope that guy was pulling your chain.