Classroom

We will be spending a total of 15 hours in the classroom over five nights.  The classroom is the clubhouse at the Bemidji Trap & Skeet Club west of the Bemidji Airport.  The sixth night of class will be the range and field exercises at Gordy Buchanan Memorial Range south of Cass Lake.  The classroom will consist of discussion of the topics covered in the Hunter Education Youth Firearms Safety Student Manual and Reference Guide,  hunter safety educational videos, hands-on practice for safe firearms handling, and discussion of any related topics students may have.  An active participation roll will be expected from everyone taking the course.

The student manual is a 160-page interactive workbook which will require reading and writing assignments outside of class as well as in the classroom.  We will cover nearly all of the 160 pages in the book.  This may sound like a lot, but the workbook is user friendly with a lot of pictures, illustrations, and diagrams.  This is a serious subject and the requirement is once in a lifetime so come prepared to work, share, and discuss!

The following is an outline of the student manual and the topics we will be discussing:

1. Introducing Hunter Education
   • History, Purpose, and Sponsors
2. Firearms and Hunting Safety
   • Firearms Identification and Safe Handling
   • Transporting and Carrying Firearms in the Field
   • Fundamentals of Shooting
   • Safe and Effective Shot Selection
3. Hunter Responsibility
   • Hunting Laws and Regulations
   • Hunter’s Image, Ethics, and Responsibility
4. Personal Preparedness
   • Physical Condition and Personal Safety
5. Wildlife Conservation
   • Hunting as a Management Tool, Wildlife Identification, and Principles
6. Hunting Opportunities
   • Getting Involved: Hunting, Learning, Serving
7. Hunting Specialties (Optional and as time allows)
   • Archery
   • Muzzleloaders
   • Handguns

We will cover the first five chapters the first two weeks of class in preparation for the 50-question multiple-choice, matching, and true/false written exam.  We will discuss chapter six on the night of the written exam and chapter seven if time allows.  You must pass the written exam as well as the field and range test and complete the essay and survival kit in order to pass the course and receive your hunter firearm safety certificate.

We will try to take two short breaks during the each night of the classroom to break-up the three-hour class.  The clubhouse has restrooms and pop machines.  You can bring your own beverage and snacks are allowed during class as long as they are not disruptive.  We will also be outside working on the ground for the hands-on portion each night so come dressed accordingly!