Hunter Ed For Your Kids - Do It Now!

Old Coot · 01-08-2004, 08:23 PM

If you plan on starting a new hunter this year, the time to get the required hunter ed classes done is NOW. Please don't be one of those parents who keep thinking, "I gotta get my kid in that class", and then has to explain to your child why he or she can't hunt next fall.

Every year I get last minute telephone calls from dads begging me to run a special class just for their kids because they kept putting it off until there were no seats left. That doesn't happen, because the instructors are all hunters too, and we already have plans for late September, October and November.

Some classes will be offered at the Salem Sportman's Warehouse each month from now thru September. Classes are lmited to 15 to 20 students, and they fill up fast. Two months are already full. Folks within driving distance on Salem should call Sportsman's to reserve a seat.

People in other areas of the state can get more class information at the ODFW website. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/

[ 01-08-2004, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: Old Coot ]

Chromaflage · 01-08-2004, 08:29 PM

Old Coot - I have called and left several messages at ODFW over the past few months, attempting to obtain a CD-Rom for the home study course for my daughter. I have not heard from anyone. I know that they are availble through the Mult. Co. Library - just try to get one...almost impossible. I actually have 2 kids that need to do this and was hoping to do the home study option. Can you assist at all here?

Thanks,

ORS

Old Coot · 01-08-2004, 08:41 PM

Red - check your messages.

Chromaflage · 01-08-2004, 08:56 PM

Got it - thanks!

Small Fry · 01-08-2004, 09:17 PM

I would like to get more information on the CD Rom course. Can one of you point me in the right direction. Please.

Phil Layer · 01-09-2004, 08:11 AM

Me too!

Thanks in advance.

fishgirl · 01-09-2004, 08:30 AM

The CD-Rom is NOT available from ODFW, and should only be used as a supplement. If you are interested in the home study course, call 503-947-6018 and she will mail you a home study packet.

MountainLion84 · 01-13-2004, 05:25 AM

If you do the home study course, be sure to enroll in one of the testing classes as soon as possible. We had to go clear to Albany to find a class. The home course is a good way to go, as you don't have to wait on a class. I was assured by ODFW that there would be a class in St. Helens or Scappoose. I am glad I didn't count on that, because it never happened.

Gun Rod Bow · 01-13-2004, 07:50 AM

We did the home study course with my daughter when she was 12. It was not quick and easy, pretty involved.

She took a test at that indoor range near Johnson Ck and 82nd. The did a very nice job with the kids. She was the only girl.

The study course should probably be done in about 4 weeks IMO.

Old Coot · 01-13-2004, 06:52 PM

Disclaimer: I am an ODFW Hunter Ed instructor. I am a volunteer and get paid zip. Rather, it generally costs me cash out of pocket to put on a class. That said, now you know I am not out trolling for dollars.

I think if at all possible it is best for youngsters to attend classes rather than go the home-study route. Our own kids have all heard us parents droning instructions to them regarding how to live for 10, 12, 16, 18 years. Often, they have pretty much tuned us out. A stranger's voice and presence is new, and they may listen more intently and be more receptive to new information.
The classes generally have pretty lively discussions, the students are exposed to different ethical points of view, not infrequently they get to be "up close and personal" with game violators and learn first-hand the costs of crossing the line. They hear about the shooting accidents in Oregon for the last several years and what went wrong, they are exposed to pretty much every type of sporting arm, and they get to see people make potentially deadly errors in a harmless setting, then have the situations deconstructed so everybody understands the error and ramifications.

You get my drift. I'll shut up now. :grin:

FINZ · 01-13-2004, 11:51 PM

I am taking my son to his hunter education class tonight at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club. They are having classes over the next few months. They run Tuesdays and Thurdays 3 hours a night for 3 weeks and a saturday shooting final.

I feel it is good experience to go through the class with other kids. He is also very excited about taking the class and being able to hunt this fall.

Contact Larry Warren @ 503-658-7403 for further class information.

chummer · 01-14-2004, 01:17 PM

I would concur with old coot's obsevation that the student will recieve a better education in a live class, with other students and the accompanying parents. The home study course was designed as an alternative for people who live in very remote locations, where a 100 mile round trip drive is not practicle once or twice a week for 3 weeks.