Nomercy448

I feel your pain, and I agree that it's not really fair to charge such high prices for REQUIRED training, but that's what it costs.

As far as requiring training, however, I can't offer you any degree of consolation. I've been an NRA certified handgun instructor for over a decade, and have off and on during that time taught basic handgun classes, offered private instruction, competitive edge instruction, etc. I'm working now on getting established as a CCW instructor, and I've been an assisting instructor for several hunter's safety courses that we offer at one of the local hunting clubs for the last couple years. Not trying to brag AT ALL by saying that, but rather trying to illustrate the amount of exposure I've had to new shooters and hunters.

Kansas, where I live, does not require any handgun training, nor any permit to purchase a handgun. My state believes in the rights of its citizens. We DO require the mandatory CCW courses to receive a concealed carry license, which is a VERY low level instruction course, and mostly focuses on the legal aspects of carrying, and how to properly conceal your weapon.

HOWEVER, I do believe that handgun owners, especially those that carry concealed for personal defense, need to take it upon themselves to seek out instruction/training to be able to ACTUALLY weild their weapon properly. The general experience base, and aptitude with a weapon of the average concealed carry license holder is, in my opinion, very low. Do you consider it safe that an inexperienced 15yr old driver could get behind the wheel of an 18wheeler and drive 80,000lbs down the interstate at 75mph? Neither do I. That's why we require performance evaluation testing to prove out that CDL drivers are capable of handling their rig before they receive their licenses. Do I think it's safe that my 60yr old mother-in-law and her bridge group all have CCW permits and started packing .38spcls around in their purses without any real training? Nope. Did I take the time out of my life to offer and give them instruction on how to safely handle, draw, and defensively fire their weapon? Yup.

As firearm owners, it's on us to know how to properly handle our weapons. Do I think that the state should require a $150 class to prove it? No. Do I think that there should be fairly rigorous testing done (similar to a CDL, motorcycle license, or ANY drivers test)? Yup. If you don't pass the test, then should an option to practice and improve be a $150 class? Yup.

All in all, I think MOST handgun owners should be more familiar with the safe operation, and safe defensive application of their weapon. CT, in my opinion, is probably better off for requiring training and testing. Is it a crime that they charge $150? Sure. Do you benefit from that money you're spending? I'm sure you are.

As far as taking a class to "learn what you already know" about hunting and firearms safety, look at it this way: since you already know it all, you aren't paying to take a class to learn anything, you're paying to take a test to prove that you know it.

I promise you will waste far more time and money on hunting in your future than whatever that class takes.