A Question About Hunter Education–From the Wife
This past weekend, four out of five members of our family stayed at my mother’s house, taking care of the farm, while the fifth was gone to a horse show. While we were there, Cliff took our boys for a walk in the back forest–a lovely diversion for them and some quiet time for me!
He showed them deer trails and the places where deer had bedded down, and while breaking off branches from the pines to make the going a little easier, he explained that they could be creating paths deer might use because it was now easier going for them, as well. He explained that, just like humans, deer like to take the path of least resistance. All very cool information, but it got me thinking.
When you hear ‘Hunter Education’, what do you think of? I’ll admit to my first thoughts being the safe handling of weapons, target practice, survival skills, and such. But then it occurred to me that, while vital, those things aren’t really the ‘beginning’…at least not in my mind. ‘Hunter’ education should, to my way of thinking, begin with learning about the hunted and how they interact with/in their environment…in this case, the deer…long before a weapon is even picked up. You could be a wonderful (and safe) shot, but if all you have to rely on for locating your prey is dumb luck and random chance, you’re really no better off than you were at target practice.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% for education on gun safety and survival skills, but I’m truly starting to think hunter education…good hunter education…begins long before a weapon is even picked up.
This may just be common sense to some of you old timers, but for this newbie just starting to really learn about hunting, it was a type of epiphany moment.
–the wife
Hunting, hunting sense, hunter education, deer, weapons, deer hunting, survival skills, deer habits, environment
August 7th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
First of all, I’m glad you’re back to writing. I always enjoy your posts.
Second, I think you’re right. A vital part of hunter’s education is learning how to hunt safely, which means learning how to handle a gun or bow safely and how to interact with other hunters. I would have to agree that novice hunters should also be taught to understand the animals they want to hunt. If you understand the animal and know how to interact with it, you’ll have more respect for the animal and most likely be a more successful hunter.
August 7th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
maybe so, but i don’t think much gets past you. a great post!
August 7th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I agree with you.You may be a newbie,but you’re right on target, with this post.
Great job!
August 13th, 2007 at 9:25 am
[...] been taking this opportunity to teach the kids about deer, as my wife mentioned in her From the Wife entry a while back. While not the greatest amount of land, there is plenty for the deer, and with [...]
August 16th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Excellent question. All of us experienced hunters should be ‘hunters education teachers’. Our classes can take place in the woods.
August 17th, 2007 at 7:28 am
[...] A Question About Hunter Education–From the Wife [...]