Ohio makes it easier...

vc1111 · 05-26-2006, 11:47 AM

In the past, I wrote that the Hunter Safety Course was a bit of a hurdle for new hunters. Some agreed with me, some disagreed. As usual, those that disagreed with me were wrong.

Legislation in Ohio passed overwhelmingly to lower the hurdle and allow people to try hunting before going to through the course.

Effective July 1st, first time hunters can acquire an "apprentice license" which allows them to try hunting with a mentor prior to making investments in time to complete hunter education course.

The legislation was introduced by the US Sportsmen's Alliance, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The legislation had such strong support that it garnered 28 co-sponsors in the Senate and 51 co-sponsors in the House.

Whats' more, sixteen- and seventeen-yr-olds can purchase half-price apprenctice hunting licenses!

People from Ohio have it together.[8D]

squirrelkilla23 · 05-27-2006, 09:01 AM

I being from ohio and 12 years old i didnt find the test too hard.I got a perfect score on my test, which was the highest in my whole class. i think it's great for them to do that for people here. Now i can take that hott chick i know huntin

vc1111 · 05-27-2006, 08:49 PM

Squirlkiller23, congratulations on the high score. Obviously you paid attention and you love hunting.

What do you use to hunt squirrels?

What type of squirrels do you hunt?

etothepii · 05-30-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: squirrelkilla23

I being from ohio and 12 years old i didnt find the test too hard.I got a perfect score on my test, which was the highest in my whole class. i think it's great for them to do that for people here. Now i can take that hott chick i know huntin

Chances are, you liked the idea of hunting before you took the class, right? THis plan is for someone who might want to give hunting a try, but aren't sure. Let's say you have a friend at school that you want to take hunting, but they are just not sure. Your dad (the mentor) can accompany you guys, and this friend can see what it's all about. If (when) he finds out that he loves hunting, he can then go through the class.

Tazman · 05-30-2006, 09:14 AM

vc I think that is an excellent idea, I just wonder how easily it can be enforced.

BTW you asked a couple of questions of squirrelkiller I would like to answer for him.

Quote:

What do you use to hunt squirrels?

Any thing that will kill them and leave enough to eat!

Quote:

What type of squirrels do you hunt?

Furry live ones until I finish hunting them!

vc1111 · 05-31-2006, 06:17 AM

It should be easily enforced, Taz. If you think about it, it will be as easy to enforce as the current licensing program.

Tazman · 05-31-2006, 06:53 AM

In other words unenforcable, unless of course the warden sneaks into the woods and verifies that the uneducated is actually hunting side by side with the educated. Do not get me wrong VC, I think it is a good idea to get soome one started, but to be honest with you if a 12 year old can ace the test, how hard can it be?

Deleted User · 05-31-2006, 07:35 AM

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vc1111 · 05-31-2006, 09:00 AM

Taz, it isn't the complexity of the test that was ever the question or hurdle. It was the 12 hour classroom time.

Did you read the previous thread I posted on this subject? I support the course but only if someone is serious about continuing to hunt beyond the mentor program that has now been implemented.

As to "enforcement" I'm not sure where you're going with this. Of course enforcement requires a game warden in the field just as enforcement of the regular licensing requires. I don't see why you would even mention enforcement as a variable in the equation.

Read Iff's post again. It tells the tale of promoting hunting vs creating barriers for those that might be interested, but aren't sure and thus do not want to expend 12 hours of classroom time.

Quote:

Here, a child may huntunder the supervision ofa licensedadult without purchasing a license themselves till the age of 16, by which time they must have taken and passed the NC Hunter Ed. course.

Also note the stats he posted and compare them to other states. Also note that the exponential increase in the deer herd and turkey population in Ohio has done little to dramatically increase the numbers afield. In fact, the demographics arguably show that hunting is destined to decline sharply in coming years as the average age of a hunter increases. Younger people are simply not entering the sport at the same rates as others are leaving. Its ABC stuff, and the classroom time is surely a variable here and elsewhere.

The issue is as simple as the nose on your face. People want to try hunting a few times and perhaps even try a few different types of hunting prior to investing 12 hours of classroom time.

Read carefully my initial post on this thread. The people that created and sponsored this bill are not novices.

Tazman · 05-31-2006, 09:36 AM

vc I know exactly where you are coming from and I concur, I never said they should not do it, it is a good idea, what I was refering to was it is basically unenforcable. Most game wardens when they check a guys license is as they are coming out from their stand, unless there is a report of poaching most wardens do not actually enter the woods and observe hunters, thereby the chances of them catching a guy who should be mentored on the stand hunting with out his mentor partner is slim to none.

I guess the point I am trying to make is simply that you are going to wind up with a lot of newbies in the woods dropped off on a stand by thier selfs by the person who is supposed to be their mentor, which could lead to the mentor himself being shot unless the newbie has been well taught on recognizing your target before pulling the trigger.