Does anyone have a recommendation on where to take the state approved hunter's education class? There are a few places listed on the Texas Parks & Wildlife dept, one in Flower Mound, one in FTW, and one in GP. Has anyone here taken the class, and had a positive experience at any of the above? <rant> I'm 28 years old, I have a CHL and I was an eagle scout, why do I have to take this class to get a hunting license? </rant>
No, did you look at this? I would have thought you could take the course at Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy.phtml
Yup, saw that, it's where I got the available places, which are few and far between. I'm looking for a recommendation, since just like defensive driving and CHL classes, it's the instructors that make the difference in a painful several hours, and a less-painful several hours. The school I took my CHL class at came highly recommended by some here (unfortunately they don't teach this particular class).
You don't need it, but I have hunted with a few that didn't think they needed it and they REALLY needed it. Don't know you're doing something wrong if you grew up that way or watching your hunting mentors. Hunter's Ed gives you a different perspective and makes you think about things and which habits might not be good ones. Can't be too safe hunting.
Tell me about it. Drives me crazy when walking with someone toting a shotgun headed into the field, and just because it's a little heavy, they shift it from one arm to the other, start slinging it from one shoulder to the next, etc. I just read the report on hunting accidents, fatalities dropped dramatically when they installed this rule in 1987 or so. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_rp_k0700_1124_2006.pdf (page 4 of 12) So, it can't be a bad thing I guess, just inconvenient. Also, there's the "official" report on Cheney's accident: (look at page 9 of 12, the 2/11 incident in Kenedy County.) Rob, as a "transplant" did you have to take this class?
The class I took in Kansas transfers. My dad put me in the class each year from when 8 yo to 12. Wouldn't hurt for me to take again. I have a couple bad habits like when picking up decoys I leave my gun loaded on the shore in case another group comes in. There are several shootings a year of dogs stepping on loaded guns. They have to hit it perfect to take off safety and pull trigger, but it does happen. What did the hunter say after his dog shot him? A: "Ya Biatch!" OK, so maybe only I think that's funny.
Good joke! In case anyone cares, I read the TPWD code, and it turns out that you don't actually have to complete this class to purchase a hunting license, however.... So, it's the equivalent of a "fix it" ticket if the game warden asks to see your certification, and you don't have one. I am still going to do one this year, but I have been stressing out for a couple of years now because the classes are not really easy to find or convenient to enroll in. Apparently the instructors can't make much money putting on the classes, otherwise they would be much more prevalent I'm sure.
