The Montana Hunter’s Education Program, which is overseen by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is responsible for helping Montana hunters to become as safe and responsible as they possibly can. Hunters in Montana who wish to purchase a resident or out-of-state hunting license must obtain a certificate of completion from this program prior to their purchase. This requirement pertains to hunters who were born after January 1, 1985 and the hunter education program in other states as well as Canada are accepted. With the combination of strict hunting regulations and the Montana Hunter’s Education Program, the rate of hunting related accidents has decreased dramatically, proving that both of these programs are important and are working. The importance of these programs is also apparent each time a hunter returns home after spending time enjoying this sport, with no harm to themselves or any others due to their activity while hunting.
Dedicated men and in women in Montana are responsible for volunteering as instructors for the Montana Hunter’s Education Program. These volunteer instructors share their knowledge, experience and time with beginning Montana hunters, giving them the tools necessary to become hunters who are safe and responsible while they take responsibility for the stewardship of the wildlife as well as their rich hunting heritage. These programs are open to hunting students 11 years of age or older and generally take up to 12 hours to complete. During these 12 hours the hunting student will learn topics such as hunting safety, firearm safety, today’s firearms, understanding ammunition and they will learn more on shooting skills.
The students will also learn the correct way to prepare for the hunt, how to be safe outdoors, how to make the shot and what to do afterwards, special hunting and safety concerns and Montana hunting laws and regulations. The program also touches on wildlife conservation, management and identification. After all these topics have been covered and the field course has been completed, the hunting student will be expected to take and pass a final exam, after which they will receive their certificate of completion.
The great state of Montana, with its rich heritage of hunting, has taken the task of improving this sport straight to the hunters. By doing so, the rate of hunting related accidents has dropped drastically, once again proving that hunter education programs do work and are working all over the country. This is good news for this great sport as it grows in leaps and bounds, making the future look extremely good. Although safety is not the only topic covered, it is definitely the most important.The importance of this program is witnessed time and time again, as each hunter returns from their hunting trip to their everyday lives without any accident occurring. This in itself make the time spent attending these programs well worth the investment.
