Interesting discussion. Also a Hunter Ed. instructor here. In fact, the "Home Study Completion Course" is the only type of hunter ed. class I've taught for at least the last 5 years. It IS also much easier for me to find a long 1/2 day on a weekend or an evening than it is to do at least 10 hours over a two day period.
But ... I still do not buy into the the old "I don't have time" line. If someone does not have 10 hours to put into a "mandatory" (per
1988 Legislative session) class, how can they ever manage to scounge up enough time to get out of town and hunt?
Glad to see suggestion of going to TP&W web site. Lots of great info. there. While there, I suggest taking a peek at accident stats and stories. Year after year, the numero uno age bracket of those involved in hunting accidents is 20 to 29 - and about 80% of 'em have never had a hunter ed. class. ("not enough time"
)
And yep, beyond responsibilities and safety, there is a VAST difference in the lesson plans between the CHL and Hunter Ed. classes. In the former, we're discussing possibly having to shoot a 2-legged varmint, then going to court.
In the latter, it's more about ethics, having fun and shooting something that often results in good food for the dinner table. And NOT having to deal with courts. Unless ya do something like getting caught huntin' without the class. Those game wardens' little blue "love letters" seem to have a way of makin' some folks born after Sept. 1, 1971 find the time.
, But I would not anticipate the Legislature and/or DPS ever getting around to it. Not in my lifetime, anyway.