Hunters Education

Hunters Education Refresh

Since we are still in the midst of hunting season, I thought it would be a good idea for a refresh on some Hunters Education since a LOT of us are exempt from having to take it. If you were born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, you MUST successfully complete a Hunter Education Course AND keep that with you at all times while hunting. Many citations are given out by game wardens every year for a lack of mandatory Hunter Education certification.

What about those of us born before that date? We are exempt and don’t have to take it. But… it’s a good idea and you can take it online. The course is very inexpensive at $19.95 and covers a TON of great information. But, just because we don’t have to take it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. 

The class is really good and covers a lot of firearm information, the laws, safety and ethics which aren’t written into any laws. There are 3 questions every hunter should ask themselves before taking any shot? 1. Is it safe? If it isn’t safe, the rest don’t matter! 2. Is it legal? Is this a legal shot or a legal animal? 3. Is it ethical? This is the one that only you can answer but keep in mind it’s not ethical to shoot doves on a fence, on the ground or sitting in a tree. There is a concept of fair chase and they should have an opportunity to get away meaning we should only shoot them on the wing (in flight).

There are other important issues covered in the Hunters Education as well such as how to transport and handle your firearm while around your vehicle, traversing an obstacle, around other hunters, etc. Other topics include tree stand safety, preparing a hunt plan and sticking to it, what to do if you get lost or inclement weather blows in, landowner relations and much more.

If you haven’t taken it and would like to here is the link: https://www.hunteredcourse.com/texas/

 Stay safe and keep training!