I believe that we are. I realize the value of a safety course, and I did take mine when I was ten, because I had to. But, I know several people who have turned me down after finding out they needed a class to go with me. They'll still come out and shoot with me, a few have even helped me with deer. But they won't hunt because they cannot get a license.
I know I was taught a lot of the stuff long before the course by going with my dad. This helped me in the class and made me feel good when "I knew it all" *Hah! Ya right* and the other kids didn't. But I still learned everything I know from my family.
I think there is a place for the course. Helping new hunters learn and get started. But I personally do not feel that it shuold be required. A way to eliminate would be to have a test a person has to pass before getting their first license. To show they know proper gun safety.
-Jake