SB 6281 Would Allow Hunter Ed Instructors to Require Live-Fire Training 4 Minors

[bigtex]

Senate Bill 6281 sponsored by Senators Roach (R) and Pedersen (D) will be introduced tomorrow. The bill, will allow hunter education instructors at their discretion to require those under 18 to participate in a live-fire training as part of hunter ed.

In carrying out the program established under subsection (1)(b)(i) of this section, a hunter education instructor may, at the instructor's discretion:
(a) Require live-fire training for any person under the age of eighteen unless that person provides proof of having previously received a similar or greater level of live-fire instruction, as determined by the instructor; and
(b) Allow a student to use a personal firearm during a course after the firearm has been inspected and approved by the instructor.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/6281.pdf

[j_h_nimrod]

I thought that was already mandatory. It was when I took the course in CO years ago. As written here I do not see a reason this would be bad. I guess if you were scared of a gun but a full on bow hunter maybe?  Otherwise I cannot fathom a reason why someone would want a HS card and not want to shoot.

[lokidog]

My first thought on reading the title was No, because the state's guns are generally not sized for the smaller younger shooters (from my experience as an instructor).  But then I saw part b.  I have always thought that parents should be allowed to bring the guns the kids will be shooting for the live fire portion of the classes.   

[dreamunelk]

I would like to see something to the affect of:  or assistant(s) assigned by instructor to inspect firearms.

(b) Allow a student to use a personal firearm during a course after the firearm has been inspected and approved by the instructor.

[dreamunelk]

My first thought on reading the title was No, because the state's guns are generally not sized for the smaller younger shooters (from my experience as an instructor).  But then I saw part b.  I have always thought that parents should be allowed to bring the guns the kids will be shooting for the live fire portion of the classes.   

Parents are often the problem.  I have seen to many kids that picked up bad habits from there parents.  Even know a couple that received their first violation because of their parents.

[Bob33]

Live fire is not mandatory currently. Policy prohibits use of personal firearms.

Policy: Students shall not use their own firearms and/or ammunition in any Hunter Education course. Instructors will notify all students at the beginning of each class that they are prohibited from bringing personal firearms and/or ammunition to any portion of a Hunter Education course. Any student who uses personal firearms or personal live ammunition during any portion of a Hunter Education course will fail the course and be asked to leave immediately.

[lokidog]

My first thought on reading the title was No, because the state's guns are generally not sized for the smaller younger shooters (from my experience as an instructor).  But then I saw part b.  I have always thought that parents should be allowed to bring the guns the kids will be shooting for the live fire portion of the classes.   

Parents are often the problem.  I have seen to many kids that picked up bad habits from there parents.  Even know a couple that received their first violation because of their parents.

How is the parent bringing the gun the kid will use providing a "bad habit"?  I'm not syaing the parent should be the one shooting with the kid.   

Not sure why this would only include juveniles though.  Bob, that is why the gun would be "inspected".  I do think they should require factory manufactured ammo though.

[bigtex]

Question BigTex:why is this a bill?why cant the international hunters safety administration just change that in the requirements to get a certificate?Our law makers should spend this time on other issues.  I do agree with this though.

There is no "international hunters safety administration". There is a "international hunters safety association" which is a private group consisting of hunter ed instructors, but each state can decide what their hunter ed program can consist of.

[bigtex]

I prefer everything to be uniform. Either everybody statewide shoots, or nobody shoots.

[j_h_nimrod]

Live fire is not mandatory currently. Policy prohibits use of personal firearms.

Policy: Students shall not use their own firearms and/or ammunition in any Hunter Education course. Instructors will notify all students at the beginning of each class that they are prohibited from bringing personal firearms and/or ammunition to any portion of a Hunter Education course. Any student who uses personal firearms or personal live ammunition during any portion of a Hunter Education course will fail the course and be asked to leave immediately.

This policy seems pretty inane. I assume there must be a reason for if but can not figure out what it is. The only justification I can figure is that certain ranges may not be suited for too powerful of a round but that should be made clear at the beginning of a class.

[Bob33]

"Not sure why this would only include juveniles though. Bob, that is why the gun would be "inspected". I do think they should require factory manufactured ammo though."

Lokidog I'm not advocating for or against this. I'm only pointing out that current policy prohibits it. I do think it increases the risk of firearm failure. Do you believe most instructors can inspect visually a firearm which may be very old and in poor condition, and ensure it is safe?

[Fl0und3rz]

I prefer everything to be uniform. Either everybody statewide shoots, or nobody shoots.

Agree. Thus, a no vote.

[bigtex]

If this bill is passed anyone that is prohibited from firearms will not be able to get a hunters ed. certificate,And we lose a lot of the people in the sport.We need as many as we can get.If I am wrong about this bigtex feel free to correct me.

This bill only applies to those under 18. Not too many people under 18 are prohibited from possessing firearms...

[j_h_nimrod]

I prefer everything to be uniform. Either everybody statewide shoots, or nobody shoots.

Agree. Thus, a no vote.

This would make it consistent so why a "no" vote?

Lokidog I'm not advocating for or against this. I'm only pointing out that current policy prohibits it. I do think it increases the risk of firearm failure. Do you believe most instructors can inspect visually a firearm which may be very old and in poor condition, and ensure it is safe?

I guess this is a slight possibility and in our litigious society maybe an issue but would hope any instructor worth the name would be able to determine if a gun were likely safe or not and accept or reject a gun for use. There are always responsibility release forms that should cover liability. All the courses I have been in and seen only used .22lr, maybe that should be written in. There is no reason for some kid to bring in a .300 RUM or even 30-06 for that matter. Guns are available for use from the instructor as well so it is unlikely many would bring in their own gun anyway.

Do we really need kids that have been prohibited from firearms representing us as hunters anyway?  There are likely very few people that would be affected by this, not enough to make a difference any way you look at it. This would be fixed with a provisional card for bow hunters only.

[Fl0und3rz]

Leaving it to discretion is the opposite of consistency.