Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: Kingpuck on November 23, 2011, 07:48:09 PM

Title: Field Test Question
Post by: Kingpuck on November 23, 2011, 07:48:09 PM: So I heard a rumor that those who hunt with a bow are still required to use a shot gun for their hunters ed... how can that be right? Does this mean I need to get a shotgun and practice shooting that before the field test? I was hoping to just use my bow. Don't really have any plans of purchasing a rifle at the moment.

Anyone know why on earth they would make someone who's going into archery use a gun?
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: xd2005 on November 23, 2011, 07:53:44 PM: I took mine last year. They had us shoot rifles (.22lr for us), but it had nothing to do with accuracy, just safe handling of the firearm. We did not shoot shotguns.

Reason they include firearms is because passing the course makes you eligible to hunt any method, so they have to make sure in 2 years if you decide you want to use a rifle, they will know you are familiar with safe handling of it.
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: Kingpuck on November 24, 2011, 02:04:07 PM: That's interesting xd. Does anyone know if the Kenmore gun range might offer a course on rifle safety to familiarize myself with them before the test? Makes sense when you think about it I guess.

Do they provide the rifle or is that something you have to provide yourself?
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: B.G.hunter on November 24, 2011, 02:13:25 PM: Every hunter education class I know of provides all the materials you will need.
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: Wazukie on November 24, 2011, 02:16:05 PM: so, if firearm handling is required for hunters ed, what happens with the guy who can not legally handle a firearm?
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: Kingpuck on November 24, 2011, 02:20:09 PM: I'd guess the guy wouldn't be able to take the test... Course that doesn't really mean he can't buy one on the black market
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 24, 2011, 02:25:35 PM: Yes they are more worried about the use of firearms then a bow. Who says that the next year after passing you might want to hunt birds with a shotgun, or elk with a rifle? It is just a simple test and covers the basics of field saftey and firearm saftey. They will supply what you need and its very easy to pass with common sense :tup:
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: Bob33 on November 24, 2011, 02:38:16 PM: Quote from: Kingpuck on November 24, 2011, 02:20:09 PM
I'd guess the guy wouldn't be able to take the test... Course that doesn't really mean he can't buy one on the black market
Firearm use is not required at the discretion of an instructor. We have had felons in our class; they can be accommodated.

Talk with the instructor before the class.
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: runamuk on November 24, 2011, 02:43:09 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on November 24, 2011, 02:38:16 PM
Quote from: Kingpuck on November 24, 2011, 02:20:09 PM
I'd guess the guy wouldn't be able to take the test... Course that doesn't really mean he can't buy one on the black market
Firearm use is not required at the discretion of an instructor. We have had felons in our class; they can be accommodated.

Talk with the instructor before the class.

I was just gonna say :yeah:
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: Wazukie on November 24, 2011, 03:10:38 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on November 24, 2011, 02:38:16 PM
Quote from: Kingpuck on November 24, 2011, 02:20:09 PM
I'd guess the guy wouldn't be able to take the test... Course that doesn't really mean he can't buy one on the black market
Firearm use is not required at the discretion of an instructor. We have had felons in our class; they can be accommodated.

Talk with the instructor before the class.

I've never had to take a hunter safety course, but I do have a friend who is a felon that wants to bow hunt so this is good to know, thanks.
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: elkslayer99 on November 24, 2011, 09:08:12 PM: Yes Kenmore range offers many firearm safety classes and hunters safety

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Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: ghosthunter on November 24, 2011, 09:26:39 PM: Depends on the instructor and the location as to Shotgun, rifle or both. I teach at a shotgun range so it is shotguns only when we shoot. Others have a rifle and shotgun range. Shooting is not required by the state. They encourage instructors to have a range day but it is not required. Some instructors have no place to shoot in their area.

Felons go through our class with a bow.
Title: Re: Field Test Question
Post by: Kingpuck on November 24, 2011, 10:26:33 PM: Almost would make more sense if you had to prove yourself with the particular weapon of choice. You take a test to prove your accurate enough with a bow they give you a bow license, gun is accurate enough they give you a gun license to hunt, etc. That's just me thinking out loud though