Indiana Hunting Apprentice

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lon371

New member
Indiana has figured out how hard it is to get kids into hunting and to the Hunters Ed class. They have adopted a license to allow a hunter to hunt prior to getting the class.
Here is a link to Indiana Outdoors article
http://www.in.gov/dnr/12938.htm

What do you think?
 
I believe this is a good step towards bringing more youth into the hunting ranks. As an Indiana Hunter Education instructor, I've received calls from some parents that were reluctant to sign their kids up for the class because they "don't know if they're going to like hunting". This is a good way for them to take that first step and see if it's for them or not before taking the class. I believe the safety aspect is met, as the regulation requires them to be with a liscensed adult hunter.
 
I too am a Certified Hunter Education instructor and I feel this is a very good allowance or whatever you may call it. It looks to be an extension of some "Special Youth Hunts" that I have seen and participated in. I like the three issue limit to this "Apprentice Licenses". Keep in mind that the influence and presence of an adult license holder is still there and this will also add to the encouragement. Most of the instructors I know are strictly voluntary and our classes are limited and yet, the states require these courses before issuance of a regular license. Simply not enough classes to keep up with our demands and I know there are many kids that are hunting regarless !!

Another encouragement that I understand Wisconsin has, Is that the state will issue a new hunter, their first years license upon completion of the hunter ed class. My compliments to the state of Indiana. Will forward this to some other instructors for their review. Thanks for the post .. !!!


Be Safe !!!
 
I have taken all 3 of my kids and a couple neighbors thru the course. I think it is a good for all hunters. But I know it was a challenge between my work and the kids school functions to get there. I believe this will motivate the kids a little more to take the course. Also like was said, "don't know if they're going to like hunting".

Oh, and thanks guys for volunteering your time to give the courses. I am sure it is time consuming on your part. Your efforts are really appreciated.
Lonny
 
I just got certified to instruct this year in Oregon. While I think the mentored hunts are a good idea, I just hope the system is not abused with Dad actually shooting the animal on the kids tag.

One "counter-arguement" if parents say they are not sure if the kids will like hunting is explaining the gun safety aspect. Kids may end up in a situation where they need to know about guns and gun safety - a friends house, etc. It is better that they know about them in advance and don't try to learn "hands-on" with no supervision.
 
Worked for many thousands of years, even before they invented paper.
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And not always that well. It's been documented that the greatest cause of accidental deaths during the settling of our frontier, was accidental firearms discharge. Not hostiles, deseases, weather and varmints, but bad gun handling. Statistics show that hunter safety has saved lives. Every state, historically documents hunter safety accidents and the record speaks for itself. Look it up!! There have been times during our teaching, that I will mentions bad habits, mostly related to gun handling and a kid will slowly look up at his dad and dad just looks straight ahead. :rolleyes:
By the way, I have lived most of the bad habits and know them well.
One "counter-arguement" if parents say they are not sure if the kids will like hunting is explaining the gun safety aspect. Kids may end up in a situation where they need to know about guns and gun safety - a friends house, etc. It is better that they know about them in advance and don't try to learn "hands-on" with no supervision.
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Good point but we can only do our best, in our own best ways. All of us teach these kids !!
 
Pahoo - I was manning a Hunter Ed station at a DU event and had this exact conversation with some parents. They had recently moved from the city to the country, kinda Yuppies. Said they did not have guns or hunt, but now their kids are often at the neighbors houses - who do have guns and hunt.

At least they were smart enough to know they weren't smart enough to teach gun safety themselves.
 
I really wish more states would opt for at least a class (in school)on gun saftey. I have had guns all my life. My kids have been around them and shooting them since they were big enough to understand. We have taken several kids out to target shoot. They all new which was the buisness end and which way to point, and where I was standing(over their shoulder). I felt they needed to see the dangers of a weapon if they were going to be around my house.

As far as some parents taking advantage of it, I am sure that will happen. But I am sure it happens with the youth tags as well. Indiana youth license covers all tags.
 
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lon371: I really wish more states would opt for at least a class (in school)on gun saftey.
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I totally agree and even though I volunteer in some very liberal states on guns and hunting, going into the schools is another thing. Have promoted the Eddie Eagle program (NRA) with little or no reception. Too much politics and a very sensitive issue. In this case, you have to respect all parents and teachers. Sooner or later, we get them in field, if they show an interest. I have said this before; We get some young adults that have been ordered by the courts, to attend one of our classes. Might have saved them some grief if they had training sooner.


Be Safe !!!
 
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