Hunting education?

[Smossy]

Trying to get into bowhunting, Got most of my gear.

Need to get into a hunters education class and Ive heard mixed things about it.
Ok first of all, is there a field training course you have to take?
Or is it just a simple class that once Ive got out of the way Im good to go?
What time of year do most of the classes usually start to run?

Id like to get out this year and atleast wonder aimlessly into a GMU.

Im in the Spanaway/Roy area and am no stranger to traveling alittle for the chase. Being is my average trip to go fish is about 1-2 hour drive.

[Bob33]

You can wander aimlessly to your heart's content without any training. Just be sure to wear bright colors if you're aimlessly wandering during a modern firearm season.

In order to legally hunt in Washington you need to pass Hunter (not hunting) Education unless you were born before 1972. 

There are two types of classes: Traditional and Online. You can read more about them, and register for a course at the following link: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/

[Smossy]

Hey thanks Bob. Ill take a look.

[Smossy]

Ok so its looking to me that even If i decided to take the online course I would have to do a live field class also? Might as well just do completely traditional if that is the case.

[turkeyfeather]

Except that you won't have to sit for 2-3 hours a night for a week with a bunch of kids.

[Bob33]

If you complete the online course you would need to attend a four hour skills evaluation session. If you take the traditional course, it will range from about 12 to 20 hours total class/field course/live fire time, depending on the instructor team.

[Smossy]

If you complete the online course you would need to attend a four hour skills evaluation session. If you take the traditional course, it will range from about 12 to 20 hours total class/field course/live fire time, depending on the instructor team.

Ok wow I wasnt aware of that. So maybe an online course then field test would probably be my best bet. Thats "IF..... Like me and another gentleman discussed earlier, Me being a felon I cant be around firearms any way shape or form at the current moment. Not that im on probation or anything Ive been out for almost 3 1/2 years but... I was told that the hunter education courses mostly revolve around firearms and safety with firearms. Im not quite sure how that would work then If Im not legally allowed to be around them? I was given some great Ideas but Im interested in to what everyone else thinks...

[Bob33]

If you complete the online course you would need to attend a four hour skills evaluation session. If you take the traditional course, it will range from about 12 to 20 hours total class/field course/live fire time, depending on the instructor team.

Ok wow I wasnt aware of that. So maybe an online course then field test would probably be my best bet. Thats "IF..... Like me and another gentleman discussed earlier, Me being a felon I cant be around firearms any way shape or form at the current moment. Not that im on probation or anything Ive been out for almost 3 1/2 years but... I was told that the hunter education courses mostly revolve around firearms and safety with firearms. Im not quite sure how that would work then If Im not legally allowed to be around them? I was given some great Ideas but Im interested in to what everyone else thinks...

You can still take and complete hunter education training. You need to tell the instructor that you are not legally allowed to handle firearms and they can accommodate you.

[Smossy]

If you complete the online course you would need to attend a four hour skills evaluation session. If you take the traditional course, it will range from about 12 to 20 hours total class/field course/live fire time, depending on the instructor team.

OK wow I wasn't aware of that. So maybe an online course then field test would probably be my best bet. That's "IF..... Like me and another gentleman discussed earlier, Me being a felon I cant be around firearms any way shape or form at the current moment. Not that I'm on probation or anything I've been out for almost 3 1/2 years but... I was told that the hunter education courses mostly revolve around firearms and safety with firearms. I'm not quite sure how that would work then If I'm not legally allowed to be around them? I was given some great Ideas but I'm interested in to what everyone else thinks...

You can still take and complete hunter education training. You need to tell the instructor that you are not legally allowed to handle firearms and they can accommodate you.

OK AWSOME, thank you that was what I was looking for. I just know I can only legally hunt with a bow now, But it seems liked you almost had to jump through tiny tiny hoops just to even be able to do that legally. I'm not into poaching that *censored* is disgusting. So If I cant get legal I cant provide.

[Bob33]

Here is the applicable policy. It does appear that some classes may not accommodate individuals that cannot legally handle firearms, but I think that is the exception.

Students Who May Not Handle Firearms

Policy: Instructors shall notify classes that some students are prohibited from possessing or handling firearms.
Felons and persons convicted of certain domestic violence offenses are prohibited from possessing or handling firearms, but convicted felons sometimes enroll in Hunter Education training without first notifying course Instructors.

Hunter Education Instructors should review the information poster on firearms possession with students at the first class meeting and advise that anyone who is prohibited from possessing or handling firearms meet with the Instructor at the first opportunity.

The firearm prohibition includes muzzleloaders, but excludes air rifles and bows. A student prohibited from possessing or handling firearms may only participate in live-fire exercise using .177 air rifles or Genesis bows. If .177 air rifles or Genesis bows are not available, Instructors that want to accommodate such students should contact the Hunter Education Field Coordinator.

Instructors who use center-fire or rim-fire firearms for live-fire activities are not required to offer air rifles or Genesis bows solely to accommodate prohibited persons. If an instructor cannot accommodate such a student, the student should be referred to another course where he or she can be accommodated. As is the case with all students, those who are prohibited from handling firearms may not bring their own air rifles or bows to classroom, field course, or live-fire or activities.

[Smossy]

Thanks for digging up the information for me. Seems like its going to be quite difficult. Well see how it goes though I just hope I dont have to travel out of state just to get my hunter education course in. Being as I dont have that kind of money.

[ghosthunter]

Thanks for digging up the information for me. Seems like its going to be quite difficult. Well see how it goes though I just hope I dont have to travel out of state just to get my hunter education course in. Being as I dont have that kind of money.

You won't if you make it a priority now. The longer you wait in the year the harder it will be to get in a class. And most classes will be over by the end of August as instructors start getting ready to go hunting themselves.

[jackmaster]

Please don't take this as being rude, but anyone born after72 has to take hunter Ed or an online course with field time, this you already know, in my opinion EVERYONE should have to take a course, I just went through hunter Ed with my daughter and it was awesome, especially for young kids but there were also adults taking the class, the class ran from Monday through Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening and then the field course was Saturday and that was all she wrote...I think it would benefit you a great deal to attend a class, you live in span away from what it looks like and Paul Bunyan isn't that far from you at all, and they are great instructors. Good luck

[Smossy]

Thanks for digging up the information for me. Seems like its going to be quite difficult. Well see how it goes though I just hope I dont have to travel out of state just to get my hunter education course in. Being as I dont have that kind of money.

You won't if you make it a priority now. The longer you wait in the year the harder it will be to get in a class. And most classes will be over by the end of August as instructors start getting ready to go hunting themselves.

Thats what I thought myself to. Anyone have suggestions on a place to maybe go or take my course? I really would hate to miss out on this years bowhunting season =/

[Bob33]

Open the link I posted earlier and search by location to find the courses closest to you.

[Smossy]

Please don't take this as being rude, but anyone born after72 has to take hunter Ed or an online course with field time, this you already know, in my opinion EVERYONE should have to take a course, I just went through hunter Ed with my daughter and it was awesome, especially for young kids but there were also adults taking the class, the class ran from Monday through Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening and then the field course was Saturday and that was all she wrote...I think it would benefit you a great deal to attend a class, you live in span away from what it looks like and Paul Bunyan isn't that far from you at all, and they are great instructors. Good luck

Heeyy no, there was no negativity strewn in your comment I like to hear what everyone has to say the key to learning is asking questions which im no stranger to. I think i still kinda got that fear of jumping into everything "alone" persay, Im always used to having a buddy or someone thats interested in what I am. But no one I know cares about the woods led alone providing for theyre family or even just loving the hunt. Bunch of home-bodies. The more remote I can get the better, My ONLY crutch is my asthma.
I just want to do everything I can right you know. I want to grow old teaching MY kids how to hunt and live off the land "I dont have any yet, but do want some". I think everyone needs to have that option or skill. I was raised by a woman without a father. Never had a manly figure in the picture to steer me twords this kind of stuff. Which deep down is what my body always aiked for. I love the outdoors, and just want to open other peoples eyes and my family to the beauty that is there just within arms reach.

[Smossy]

Open the link I posted earlier and search by location to find the courses closest to you.

Bob thanks youve helped more then you know. I just need to be pointed in the right direction sometimes Like I said theres an overwhelming amount of information online and it makes decision making hard.

[Tman]

keep watching the wdfw page. i dont think all the available classes are online yet.. also, try to take the actual class, much better than doing it online.

[Bob33]

Traditional Class search link: http://www.register-ed.com/programs/94
Online Skills Evaluation search link: http://www.register-ed.com/programs/95

[Bob33]

keep watching the wdfw page. i dont think all the available classes are online yet.. also, try to take the actual class, much better than doing it online.

They should all be online now but may not accept registration yet. Our classes don't open for registration until two months prior to the class start, but they are all posted online.

[Smossy]

Please don't take this as being rude, but anyone born after72 has to take hunter Ed or an online course with field time, this you already know, in my opinion EVERYONE should have to take a course, I just went through hunter Ed with my daughter and it was awesome, especially for young kids but there were also adults taking the class, the class ran from Monday through Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening and then the field course was Saturday and that was all she wrote...I think it would benefit you a great deal to attend a class, you live in span away from what it looks like and Paul Bunyan isn't that far from you at all, and they are great instructors. Good luck

This is alittle OFF topic. But that's how I always felt about prison. Police and correctional officers. I think they all need to spend alittle time on the other side so they know what they're dealing with. Soooo much corruptness in the correctional systems. Its funny that they're called "correctional centers" more like lets make criminals better criminals. Sickens me. On top. I think EVERYONE should be subject to some kind of extreme solitude against they're own will. It does something to an individual that wants to notice, It sounds kinda dumb but when you have everything taken away from you, It makes everything else that much more beautiful. When I was incarcerated I always thought to myself. as caustic of an environment as it is. I think everyone would do good from alittle change in life. Take away your normal crutches. I think I'm going to make a mass thread one of these days basically just bringing the whole story. I have allot to say, and no one ever wants to listen. Theres a totally different world we know exists but not really how effective, or destructive it can be. Embrace life. Take it for what you can. Try to keep PMA. Positive mental attitude. Good things will come your way. Fern believer in karma. It effects my life every day. I get outta line, karma checks me. Maybe I just needed to vent Def aint the place for it, But I do appreciate all the posative feedback Ive been given from it already. Im going to continue to be the person that I am and I will continue to relate my life to incarceration because of the effect it had on my life. It virtually saved me.

[Smossy]

keep watching the wdfw page. i dont think all the available classes are online yet.. also, try to take the actual class, much better than doing it online.

Well said man, I think im going to go with the more tradional route then. Seems like theres more experience to be gotten from it.

[Tman]

Not only that, but its a good opportunity to meet other hunters in your area.

[Smossy]

Not only that, but its a good opportunity to meet other hunters in your area.

You would think this is a great place to meet people also Cant wait to have my first get together.

[jackmaster]

Oh I was encarcirated to smossy, it was called the U.S ARMY.... Greatest time of my life, I also found out that the body can go through amazing hell and keep on ticking, it was some of the toughest most hardcore training a guy can go through and it was amazing to complete it, as for hunter Ed , like others hav said you will get a chance to meet people that love the outdoors and hell an you found this site, so your defiantly on the right track....l.

[Paul Sims]

AND----If you are new to Bow Hunting, ALSO take a Bow Hunter Ed course. It is not required by the State , but you'll be way ahead of the game if you do. They are also liisted in the reg pamplet, but scarcer

[Smossy]

Ive been considering it actually, Im signed up for for May 20th for my official hunter-ed class. I wont make turkey season this year

[arrowflinger]

Where are you taking it? Paul Bunyun has one starting April 8 and with all the drop outs you might be able to get in as a walk in...

[Treefiddy]

I just barely got in to the early April class here in Spokane. I really wish they had more field days so I could take the online class but that wasn't an option. Is there a reason there are hardly any available classes? I have been fighting since December to get into a class that wasn't a 2 hour drive everynight.

[huntingfool7]

I just barely got in to the early April class here in Spokane. I really wish they had more field days so I could take the online class but that wasn't an option. Is there a reason there are hardly any available classes? I have been fighting since December to get into a class that wasn't a 2 hour drive everynight.

Not enough instructors.  WDFW does not actively recruit new instructors and does not offer any perks.  If they gutted the Master Hunter program and used those incentive tags to recruit instructors, they would have lots of volunteers and a lot more classes.

[Treefiddy]

I just barely got in to the early April class here in Spokane. I really wish they had more field days so I could take the online class but that wasn't an option. Is there a reason there are hardly any available classes? I have been fighting since December to get into a class that wasn't a 2 hour drive everynight.

Not enough instructors.  WDFW does not actively recruit new instructors and does not offer any perks.  If they gutted the Master Hunter program and used those incentive tags to recruit instructors, they would have lots of volunteers and a lot more classes.

Yeah it's crap. I know a lot of guys my age (34 and not raised in a hunting household) who want to get into hunting but it's so hard to get into a class, we all gave up.

[Becky]

Where are you taking it? Paul Bunyun has one starting April 8 and with all the drop outs you might be able to get in as a walk in...

Paul Bunyun was booked up for eternity it seemed... we're both taking it at Tacoma Sportsman's Club.

[madmack76]

you can do most of the course online, and then go in and take your test.

[Smossy]

Where are you taking it? Paul Bunyun has one starting April 8 and with all the drop outs you might be able to get in as a walk in...

Tacoma Sportsmans Club, I tried P.B. and put my name on the waiting list but have yet to be contacted at all.

[Bob33]

I just barely got in to the early April class here in Spokane. I really wish they had more field days so I could take the online class but that wasn't an option. Is there a reason there are hardly any available classes? I have been fighting since December to get into a class that wasn't a 2 hour drive everynight.

Not enough instructors.  WDFW does not actively recruit new instructors and does not offer any perks.  If they gutted the Master Hunter program and used those incentive tags to recruit instructors, they would have lots of volunteers and a lot more classes.

Instructors already get.opportunities to draw tags much better than those available to Master Hunters.

Furthermore we don't need another group of hunters to hate and complain about.

[Smossy]

Yeah but I want first hand knowledge from some knowledgeable instructors "hopefully".
Im absolutely new to hunting and have no friends/family that know anything about it really so I want every bit of information that I can get.

[Treefiddy]

you can do most of the course online, and then go in and take your test.

I don't know about the westside but the only available field test is either filled up immediately or a 3-4 hour drive here in Spokane.

[arrowflinger]

It can hurt to show up to PB, the class holds 24 people and the last two class only had 18 people show up....to me it might be worth showing up and hope to walk in. They are having problems with drop outs even if it shows full.


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[huntingfool7]

I just barely got in to the early April class here in Spokane. I really wish they had more field days so I could take the online class but that wasn't an option. Is there a reason there are hardly any available classes? I have been fighting since December to get into a class that wasn't a 2 hour drive everynight.

Not enough instructors.  WDFW does not actively recruit new instructors and does not offer any perks.  If they gutted the Master Hunter program and used those incentive tags to recruit instructors, they would have lots of volunteers and a lot more classes.

Instructors already get.opportunities to draw tags much better than those available to Master Hunters.

Furthermore we don't need another group of hunters to hate and complain about.

OK, maybe I'm wrong to hate on the Master Hunter program 

My understanding is that you have to have 3 full years as a HS instructor to qualify for the tags you're refering to.  So on the fourth year you are eligible for that drawing.
Those tags may help to retain instructors.

I doubt that many (if any) of the HS instructors out there viewed these tags as an incentive to becoming instructors.  These guys/gals have to have other motivations to jump through the required hoops to stand in front of a class.   

The point of my statement was that there is little, if any recruiting for HS instructors.  Thus the shortage of classes. 

[Smossy]

It can hurt to show up to PB, the class holds 24 people and the last two class only had 18 people show up....to me it might be worth showing up and hope to walk in. They are having problems with drop outs even if it shows full.


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Thanks for the advice, wouldn't hurt to try, When's the soonest class do you know?

[Smossy]

It can hurt to show up to PB, the class holds 24 people and the last two class only had 18 people show up....to me it might be worth showing up and hope to walk in. They are having problems with drop outs even if it shows full.


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Also, With that tapatalk app... Is it worth the few bucks, do you like it?