Hunters Education

Here is the new Column, published Wednesday, September 30th. Everyone enjoy, and be sure to leave comments! As always, if you have any questions about the course just e-mail me at ewaldrep2010@gmail.com.

There is nothing like a day in the field hunting. Just being in the field for any reason is a great privilege. However, this privilege comes with great responsibility. It is extremely important to know all of the local and statewide hunting laws as well as the ethical rules of hunting. Although many people choose to ignore certain game and hunting laws, they where put in place for a good reason. The most important laws to learn are the ones that keep the hunter safe. Safety laws are important to memorize and practice, and one of the best places to learn about these laws are in a hunters education course. Hunters education is a mandatory course for any hunter of 17 years of age if they plan to hunt without adult supervision. Every year, over 30,000 people become certified in hunter education and earn the right to hunt alone legally and responsibly. Every person born on or after September 2, 1971 must complete a hunter education course and have certification of completion along with their hunting licenses. Some federally controlled areas require that all hunters, no matter what their age or birth date, have hunter education certification. Hunter education certification can be received one of three ways. The first is to complete a traditional two day course. This course usually last about 14 hours spread over two or more days. The course is offered throughout the year at many different locations. To see a list of local courses, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at tpwd.com. In the past, various courses have been offered in Chester, Warren, Woodville, Spurger and other surrounding areas. A second way to become certified is by taking a free online course plus a one day field course. After learning about various hunting rules and regulations, wildlife conservation, outdoor survival and much more on the internet course there will be a 4 hour day spent in the field to complete certification. A third way to get certified would be to take the course through an at home study package plus one four hour field day. The package cost fifteen dollars, but is identical to the online version and is usually only used by hunters who don’t have or don’t like computers and internet. Hunter education certification is a great way to ensure safety in the field. Its quick, easy and fun to participate in a class and gives any hunter the right to hunt without being accompanied. To learn more about hunters education or to see a list of local “field day” locations, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s website for Hunter Education at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education. Hunting is a huge responsibility! Get certified, and thats Waldrep's Word on it!

Here are a few easy links that contain useful information about Hunter Education

*Click HERE for TPWD's main website for Hunter Education. You can find a ton of useful information here.

*Click HERE for TPWD's Resources for Hunter Education Students. You can find useful information and PDF's over what you should know to pass the class, publications and references.

*Click HERE to find a local listing off all Hunter Education Courses. They are listed by City and Date.

* Click HERE for a listing of ALL field days, if you choose to take a online or at home course.

Something that is not included in the article is how to obtain a Hunters Education Deferral. If you don't have time, can't afford, or can't travel to an actual course you can purchase a deferral before each season. For more information about the deferrals, click HERE...