Chapter One Objectives:

You should be able to…

• Give two reasons why hunter education is important.
• Name three hunting-related projects for which the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act) funds are used.
• Describe the behavior of a responsible hunter.
• Give an example of how you can be involved in making hunting a respected sport.
• Name five sources of hunter education funding.
  

International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)

The organization’s mission is to continue the heritage of hunting worldwide by developing safe, responsible, and knowledgeable hunters. Since its inception, IHEA has endeavored to:

• Serve as the primary resource for information on hunter education.
• Promote hunter education by providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences.
• Promote hunter education by fostering cooperative efforts among government agencies, organized groups, and industry.
• Uphold the image of hunting as a legitimate tool of wildlife management and as a recreational activity throughout North America.
• Promote programs which prevent hunting incidents.
• Cultivate honesty, self-discipline, self-reliance, responsible behavior, and good citizenship among hunters.
• Strive for constant improvement in hunter education programs.
• Fully involve volunteers and other associate members in all affairs of the International Hunter Education Association.

Pittman-Robertson Act

• The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, popularly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, was approved by Congress in 1937. The Act provides funding for the selection, restoration, and improvement of wildlife habitat, and for wildlife management research. The Act was amended in 1970 to include funding, for hunter education programs and for the development and operation of public target ranges.
• Funds for the Act come from an 11% federal excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10% tax on handguns. One-half of the excise tax on handguns and archery equipment is used for hunter education and target ranges. Theses funds are collected from the manufacturers and are distributed each year to the states and territorial areas by the Department of the Interior.
• Each state’s proportion of the federal funds is based on the area of the state and the number of licensed hunters in the state. The state covers the full amount of an approved project and then applies for reimbursement through federal aid for up to 75% of the project’s expenses; the state is responsible for the other 25% of the project’s cost.

WHY HUNTER EDUCATION?

The first mandated hunter education program began in New York in 1949 to reduce hunting incidents. As hunter education programs spread across the country, safety coordinators formed what is now the International Hunter Education Association to create a core curriculum, which is the basis for this course.

• Hunter education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are about more than safety. They have been expanded to produce responsible, knowledgeable, and involved hunters—hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and behaving ethically. These programs give beginners a good foundation, and they provide a refresher for veteran hunters.
• Ultimately, the mission of hunter education programs is to ensure the continuation of the hunting tradition.

Responsibility, Safety Skills, Knowledge, and Involvement

Hunter education strives to instill responsibility, improve skills and knowledge, and encourage the involvement of beginner and veteran hunters. Responsible, ethical behavior and personal involvement are both essential to the survival of hunting.

• Responsibility
  A knowledgeable and skillful student of hunting will never be a true hunter unless he or she also behaves responsibly. Responsible behavior includes courtesy, respect of others and of wildlife, and involvement. Responsible hunters do not poach or act carelessly. Responsible hunters obey hunting laws, hunt fairly, practice safety rules, and wit for a clean kill before shooting. How you behave and how other people see you will determine hunting’s future.
• Safety Skills
  Hunting-related safety skills are gained through hands-on training and practice. It is most valuable to learn these skills from an experienced hunter.
• Knowledge
  Knowledge is learning and understanding the basics of safe gun handling and hunting. Before being trained in the skill of firearm shooting, you should know how the firearm operates and how to handle it safely.
• Involvement
  Part of the process of becoming a true, responsible sportsman is becoming involved in efforts to make hunting a respected sport. That includes teaching others, working with landowners, and cooperating with game wardens. It also includes joining conservation organizations, which will help preserve habitat and promote wildlife management.
  

HUNTER EDUCATION FUNDING SOURCES

• The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provides federal aid to state wildlife agencies to support a variety of hunting-related projects, including hunter education, land acquisition, and improvement of wildlife habitat. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funding was established in 1937 by the Pittman-Robertson Act.
• State wildlife agencies sponsor the hunter education programs that are found in each state or province.
• Non-governmental organizations (Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Association, International Hunter Education Association, etc.) offer hunter education and firearm safety education materials and training.
• Many firearm and archery manufacturers provide training materials to teach hunters how to use their products safely.
• Local hunting clubs, civic clubs, and businesses often provide the facilities and equipment for hunter education courses.