A Bird's Eye View: ND Hunter's Safety

As a young girl, I have always been involved with the sport of hunting. I’d often go with family and friends hunting mainly for deer and pheasant. My hunting pretty much consisted of be being the designated helper in walking tree rows, CRP, and simply the “eyes” of the hunting group. I say the "eyes of hunting" because one day we were driving to a hunting area in pursuit of pheasants. Sitting in the back seat, I was doing my part in being a good little hunter scanning the distance for birds. It wasn't long when we came up on an edge of a tree row not far from my parent's destination. "There's an oval bird!" jumped from my lips.

My parents seemed almost startled from my outburst turning towards me but this time I greeted them with a serious, almost disappointed "There was an oval bird back there!"
My mom seemingly not affected by my stern voice giggled as she said, "A what?"

This time I was mad and pointed back towards the tree row. My step-dad turned the Bronco around—I'm not sure if was to satisfy me or if he really thought maybe I saw something. Regardless, we creeped up on the tree row and sure enough, crouched among the prairie grass was a rooster ring-neck pheasant. To this day that story gets told at least once before opening pheasant season and is usually for a few good laughs and "I told you so's". I have many stories to share in my experiences as a young hunter but those will have to wait for another day.

In those years as the “helper hunter” I wasn't really ever excited (or really encouraged) to take Hunter Education. I remember picking up my cousin from Hunter’s Safety Course (as it was called back then) but never thought of that person to be me. I thought about it a couple times but I guess I just never went that extra step even though my mom was/is an avid hunter. In college I continued enjoying the outdoors going hunting with who is now an ex-boyfriend and other various trips with my parents. But it wasn't until I met Tim Sandstrom where I received enough encouragement to consider getting Hunter Education and be ridding myself as the helper. So this is where it leads me today.

On February, 2005 I enrolled in Hunter Education in Surrey, ND. The classes turned out to be one day a week lasting until April 5th. I thought to myself, “Only one day a week, let’s get it done so I can practice shooting!” The course was organized in a manner following the manual at hand. The instructor; Jarvis Sassy, showed great dedication as a teacher working hard with all the kids, parents and I ensuring we understand the basics of hunter safety and ultimately ensuring we could pass the exam.

Notice above I said, "basics". My expectations were a little higher in this course not because it wasn't taught well but what was taught according to the manual. I expected the course to include more demonstrations, actual practice, more hands-on experience, etc. Although, we were required to demonstrate how to safely handle a gun, the various ways to carry a gun, and simulate ways in how to place a gun in a vehicle or boat, how to climb a fence alone or with someone, I was still a little discouraged.

After speaking with a friend in California whom took a similar course, I asked her what was expected of her and what she had to do to pass her hunter education course. She explained that to pass the course she undertook required mandatory shooting practice. At the gun range they were shown how to shoot various guns and scored not by if they could hit the bulls-eye, but if they could position the gun correctly and safely. Basics are very important but shouldn't hunter safety education involve shooting too?
I understand that courses are probably designed around time constraints, size of classes and budgets but I still would like to suggest a revamped schedule in hunter education by adding real life experiences with carrying a gun and walking, loading a gun, practicing at a shooting range, information in how and when to purchase hunting licenses and other hands on experiences that reoccur while hunting.

Am I ready for hunting? Yes and no. There is a lot more for me to learn including walking, carrying and shooting a gun efficiently and safely. Identifying what kind of rifle or shotgun I should shoot for different application. Knowing what shells to go with and which are needed. Purchasing gear I need such as orange gear, warm and comfortable clothing, boots, first aid kids, earplugs, and hunting licenses. How about what happens after I finally get to harvest my first animal? I need to learn how to field dress various games, process the meat, and learn how to prepare it. How about learning to gain permission to land? What public lands are available for new hunters to hunt? Fortunately, I have help from Tim and my family (not to forget the help from you all in the talk forums) but what about someone you doesn't have help? Does passing a hunters education course give them the tools to learn everything beyond the basics? Perhaps a more elaborate course could answer questions for those who do not have as many resources as others. Obviously, people newly introduced to the outdoors receive knowledge from past generations but is it safe for us to assume this? Just some food for thought…

But, now I have some desert for thought! After looking at hunting proclamations and talking with friends I understand there is a youth season for first time hunters. What about just a first time hunter season? I’m a little older than the 14 year old deadline but should age matter if you are a legitimate first time hunter? I don’t think so! I told Tim what I thought about it and he said to “fire off a letter or make a phone call to the Game & Fish”. So I might just do that. Besides leaving you a short story of my hunter’s education I’m going to leave you with this question: Should there be a first time hunter season vs. just a youth season? Hope to see some discussion in a talk forum!

It's been a blast going through the course and getting so much help from everyone. I can't wait to buy my first gun (or have Tim buy me one :-) and continue practicing with it. Then, I'll be ready to get my first doe, my first buck, my first pheasant and the list goes on. My mom has always been my role model and it's exciting to be following her footsteps, becoming an avid hunter, while joining a tradition that has survived thousands of years. Like for so many others, the outdoors will bring people I truly love closer together and it's on the boards of the Total Outdoor Network I'll share the adventure!

Editor's Note:  I've known Dani for nearly three years now and it's been an awesome three years.  She has a lot of the same interests as I do but after reading her experience of hunter's safety and a insight on what she expects, I admit I might even be looking forward to the future more than she is!  It's reassuring to know that ND promotes and works its hardest to insure our youth and traditions continue forward as a safe and growing activity.  If it wasn't for their dedication who's to say how many people would actually be motivated and guided towards the outdoors?  For all the instructors and others involved with the ND Hunter's Safety program I give you a big thanks!  Your dedication and hard work is greatly appreciated!  Because of it Dani begins her outdoor tradition with family and friends.  It's memories like the one pictured above that will continue forth.  Dani has already said she can't wait for Remmy to be helper hunter!  Do yourself and another a favor...get them involved in the outdoors!