Safety - A Goal of Hunter Education

By BJ Lillibridge It's no accident that hunting in Idaho is a safe activity. That's because today's hunters are better educated than ever before. They're going into the field knowing how to hunt safely and responsibly. Idaho's hunter education program - coupled with the voluntary use of hunter orange clothing - has dramatically helped to reduce the number of hunting-related firearms accidents in the field. However, Idaho's hunter education programs are more than just about "gun safety." They also stress the importance of responsible, ethical conduct in the field. Studies from several states have shown that graduates from approved courses are not only more successful and show higher knowledge than non-graduates, but also have a greater awareness of ethics and safety. Hunters can fulfill Idaho's course requirements several different ways. Traditional classroom courses are taught by trained, volunteer instructors who are dedicated to following statewide standards. Courses involve lectures and demonstrations, homework, field experiences, firing exercises and a written exam. The average course length is 16 hours. Idaho also offers two independent study options for hunter education - the online course, or workbook option. Both versions are designed for self-motivated students with good reading and comprehension skills who have some firearms and hunting knowledge or experience. Both options are not recommended for students under 14 years of age due to failure rates being high in the younger students. Younger hunters may be better served by attending a traditional classroom course where they receive personal instruction from certified instructors. Before purchasing a hunting license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 must attend and pass a course, or show proof they have held a hunting license from another state. Interest in archery hunting has increased dramatically, especially in the last decade or so. Because of important differences between hunting with a firearm and hunting with a bow and arrow, anyone planning to purchase an archery permit in Idaho must also complete an approved bowhunter education course or show evidence of being previously archery licensed in another state. As with basic hunter education, Idaho's bowhunter education course also emphasizes safety and responsibility. Students can choose from two options to meet the licensing requirement - complete a traditional classroom course or the new online course with half-day field exercise. During a classroom bowhunter course, instructors and students discuss safety and ethical situations unique to bowhunting and also learn how archery techniques can differ from those used with firearms. Other topics in the 12-hour course include archery equipment, game anatomy, shot placement, tree stand safety, game recovery and more. Students are also required to pass a written exam and attend a field exercise usually conducted on a Saturday. Idaho's new online bowhunter education course offers a convenient way for older students with time constraints and busy schedules to complete the course. Simply go to the department's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov and look for the Education tab to find the direct link to the online course. After working at their own pace through eight chapters, students must then pass the online exam which costs $20. Upon successful completions of this exam, students will be able to print a certificate of course completion needed to register for the required field day. The field day is usually a half-day in length and includes a review of course topics and specific Idaho hunting information. All students must pass an Idaho-specific exam and demonstrate they possess the knowledge, skills and physical ability to accurately shoot a bow at the field day. Cost for materials is $8. A bowhunter course field day will be held Saturday, April 1 at the IDFG office located at 3316 16th Street in Lewiston. Students must register in advance by calling IDFG at 208-799-5010 to attend. Because of space constraints and registration materials, students who do not register in advance will not be accepted into the field day. For more information on Idaho's hunter education program, contact your nearest Fish and Game office or visit the Department's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. BJ Lillibridge is the hunter education coordinator for the Clearwater Region who oversees the dedicated volunteer instructors who certify over 1200 new hunters annually.