Responsibility, Safety Skills, Knowledge, and Involvement
Topic 3: Funding for Hunter Education
Hunter Education Funding Sources
Pittman–Robertson Act
Unit 2: Know Your Firearm Equipment
Topic 1: What Is a Firearm?
Defining a Firearm
Basic Parts of a Firearm
Animation: Parts of a Bolt-Action Rifle
Animation: Parts of a Pump-Action Shotgun
Animation: Parts of a Double-Action Revolver
Animation: Parts of a Semi-Automatic Pistol
Topic 2: What Is Ammunition?
Defining Ammunition
Basic Components of Ammunition
Selecting the Correct Ammunition
Rifle and Handgun Cartridges
Centerfire and Rimfire Ammunition
Shotshells
Choosing the Correct Type and Size of Shot
Shot Sizes
Non-Toxic Shot
Topic 3: How a Firearm Works
The Basic Firing Process
How the Rifle and Handgun Fire
Video: How a Cartridge Is Fired
Video: How the Rifle and Handgun Fire
How the Shotgun Shoots
Topic 4: Common Features of Firearms: Firearm Actions
Introduction to Firearm Actions
Bolt Action
Video: How a Bolt-Action Rifle Fires
Lever Action
Video: How a Lever-Action Rifle Fires
Pump Action
Semi-Automatic (or Autoloading) Action
Video: How a Semi-Automatic Handgun Fires
Break (or Hinge) Action
Video: How a Break-Action Shotgun Fires
Revolving Action
Video: How a Double-Action Revolver Fires
Common Actions on Rifles and Shotguns
Common Actions on Handguns
Topic 5: Common Features of Firearms: Firearm Safeties
Safety Mechanisms
Typical Locations of Safeties
Types of Safeties
Safeties Don't Replace Safe Handling
Topic 6: Common Features of Firearms: Magazines and Sights
Magazines
Magazines: Tubular, Box-Type, and Hinged-Floorplate
Introduction to Sights
Sights: Bead and Open
Sights: Aperture (Peep)
Sights: Telescopic (Scope) and Dot
Topic 7: Differences Between Firearms
Differences Between Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns
Rifling in the Rifle or Handgun Bore
A Rifle's or Handgun's Caliber
A Shotgun's Gauge
Shotgun Choke and Shot String
Types of Chokes
Shot String at Various Distances
Steel Shot
Topic 8: Using the Correct Ammunition
Match Firearms and Ammunition...Correctly!
Safety Practices to Help You Avoid Using Wrong Ammunition
The Danger of Using Wrong Ammunition
Topic 9: A Firearm's Range
Know Your Firearm's Range
Maximum Projectile Range: Rifle
Maximum Projectile Range: Shotgun
Maximum Projectile Range: Handgun
Video: Understanding Ballistics
Topic 10: Cleaning and Storing Firearms
Firearm Cleaning Basics
A Cleaning Kit
General Cleaning Instructions
Steps for Cleaning a Firearm
Where to Use a Brush, Cleaning Rod, and Cleaning Cable
Video: Cleaning a Firearm
Storing Your Firearm
Showing Your Firearms
Storing Ammunition
Unit 3: Basic Shooting Skills
Topic 1: Good Marksmanship and Accuracy
Fundamentals of Good Marksmanship
Selecting the Proper Firearm and Ammunition
Determining Accuracy Limits
Protecting Your Vision and Hearing
Topic 2: Rifle Firing
Sight Alignment
Aligning an Open Sight
Determining Your Dominant or Master Eye
Sighting-In a Rifle
Optional Sighting-In Techniques
Sighting-In Procedure
Adjusting Your Sight
Video: Sighting-In a Rifle
Rifle-Firing Techniques
Firing Positions: Prone
Firing Positions: Standing
Firing Positions: Sitting
Firing Positions: Kneeling
Topic 3: Shotgun Shooting
Shooting a Shotgun vs. a Rifle
Choosing the Proper Choke
Matching Choke to Your Quarry
Patterning Your Shotgun
The Patterning Procedure
When Is Your Shot Patterning Correct?
Shotgun-Shooting Stance
Shouldering, Pointing, and Pulling the Trigger of a Shotgun
Leading the Target: Swing-Through Method
Leading the Target: Sustained Lead
Snap-Shooting
Topic 4: Handgun Shooting
Handgun Loading and Handling
Handgun-Shooting Position and Grip
Handgun Sight Alignment and Aiming
Handgun-Shooting Techniques
Unit 4: Basic Hunting Skills
Topic 1: Planning and Preparation
Steps You Should Take to Prepare for a Hunt
Know Your Quarry
Understand Animal Characteristics
Topic 2: Hunting Strategies
Introduction to Hunting Strategies
Still Hunting
Stalking
Posting
Using Ground Blinds
Video: Hunting From a Ground Blind
Using Elevated Stands
Game Calling
Driving
Flushing and Hunting With Dogs
Topic 3: Trapping
Introduction to Trapping
Benefits of Trapping
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Selecting a Trap
Using the Correct Type of Trap
Following Trapping Guidelines
Releasing Non-Target Species
Dispatching Trapped Animals
Topic 4: Hunting Turkeys Safely
The Risks of Turkey Hunting
Turkey Hunting Guidelines
Distinguishing Turkey Characteristics
Topic 5: Vital Shots
Where to Shoot
Animation: Choosing the Proper Shot Angle
Shot Angles: Broadside
Shot Angles: Quartering-Away
Shot Angles: Quartering-Toward
Shot Angles: Head-On
Shot Angles: Rear-End
Trailing Wounded Game
Approaching Downed Game
Topic 6: Field Care of Game
Field Care Basics
Field Dressing Techniques
A Game Care Kit
Field Dressing Larger Game
Additional Tips for Dressing Large Game
Field Dressing Game Birds
Field Dressing Small Game
Transporting Game
Protecting Against Chronic Wasting Disease
Unit 5: Primitive Hunting Equipment and Techniques
Topic 1: Know Your Muzzleloader
Introduction to Primitive Equipment
Parts of a Muzzleloader Firearm
Muzzleloader Locks
In-Line Muzzleloaders
Muzzleloading Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns
Powders for Muzzleloaders
Projectiles for Muzzleloaders
Topic 2: Basic Muzzleloader Safety and Skills
Basic Muzzleloader Safety
Loading a Muzzleloader
Steps for Loading a Muzzleloader
Steps for Loading an In-Line Muzzleloader
Unloading a Muzzleloader
Firing a Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader Hang Fire and Misfire Situations
Discharging a Hang Fire
Cleaning a Muzzleloader
Video: Modern In-Line Muzzleloading Safety
Topic 3: Know Your Bow and Arrow
Speed and Range of Modern Bows
Common Bow Types: Longbow (Stick Bow)
Common Bow Types: Recurve Bow
Common Bow Types: Compound Bow
Stringing a Bow
Parts of an Arrow
Common Types of Arrowheads: Points
Common Types of Arrowheads: Broadheads
The Crossbow
Topic 4: Bowhunting Safety and Skills
Preparing for Safety Before You Go Out
Bow-Shooting Safety
Broadhead Safety
Safety Accessories
Bow-Shooting Position
Nocking an Arrow
Drawing and Anchoring the Bow
Aiming the Bow
Holding and Releasing the Bow
Topic 5: History of Primitive Hunting Equipment
History of Firearms
History of the Bow and Arrow
Unit 6: Be a Safe Hunter
Topic 1: Why Firearm Safety Is Important
Introduction to Firearm Safety
Firearm Safety in the Home
Hunting Incidents
Main Causes of Hunting Incidents
Video: Staying Safe After the Shot
Importance of Safe Backstops
Firearm Safety at the Shooting Range
Identifying Your Target
Topic 2: Safely Carrying Firearms in the Field
Introduction to Safe Carries
Video: Safe Firearm Carries
Proper Field Carries: Trail Carry
Proper Field Carries: Sling Carry
Proper Field Carries: Elbow or Side Carry
Proper Field Carries: Two-Handed or "Ready" Carry
Proper Field Carries: Cradle Carry
Proper Field Carries: Shoulder Carry
Proper Field Carries: Three Hunters, Side by Side
Proper Field Carries: Three Hunters, Walking Single File
Proper Field Carries: Hunters Facing One Another
Crossing Obstacles: Alone
Crossing Obstacles: With Others
Passing a Firearm to Another Person
Video: Safe Fence Crossing
Checking for Obstructions
Video: Clearing Plugged Gun Barrels
Topic 3: Safely Loading and Unloading Firearms
Loading Firearms
Video: Loading and Unloading Firearms
Unloading Firearms
Topic 4: Transporting Firearms
Safely Transporting Firearms
Gun Cases for Transporting Firearms
Video: Transporting Firearms Safely
Topic 5: Safe Zone-of-Fire
What Is a Zone-of-Fire?
Determining Your Safe Zone-of-Fire
Maintaining Your Safe Zone-of-Fire
Video: Safe Zones-of-Fire
Topic 6: Other Safety Considerations
Self-Control and Target Identification
Shooting Accuracy
Alcohol and Drugs
Beware of Hang Fires
Hunt Ethically and Responsibly
Topic 7: Hunting From Elevated Stands
Introduction to Elevated Stands
Pros and Cons of Elevated Stands
Types of Portable Tree Stands
Portable Tree Stands: Hang-On Stands
Portable Tree Stands: Climbing Stands
Portable Tree Stands: Ladder Stands
Tripods, Quadpods, or Tower Stands (Freestanding)
Elevated Stand Location
Video: Preparing to Hunt From a Tree Stand
Fall-Arrest Systems (FAS)
Fall-Arrest System Safety Guidelines
Avoiding Suspension Trauma
Hauling Hunting Equipment Into a Stand
Elevated Stand Safety
Video: Tree Stand Hunting Safety
Topic 8: Hunting With Boats
Trip Preparation When Hunting With Boats
Transporting Firearms in a Boat
Zone-of-Fire in a Boat
Surviving Water Emergencies
Personal Flotation Devices
Types of Personal Flotation Devices
Dealing With Cold Water Immersion
Survival Steps If You Cannot Get Out of the Water
Topic 9: Hunting With All-Terrain Vehicles
Introduction to All-Terrain Vehicles
Rules for Safe and Ethical Operation When Hunting With ATVs
Know the Law Before Hunting With ATVs
Unit 7: Be a Responsible and Ethical Hunter
Topic 1: Why Do We Have Hunting Laws?
Before Hunting Laws
Benefits of Hunting Laws
Fair Chase
How Hunting Laws Are Passed
Hunting Law Resources
Video: New York State Hunter Education
The Hunter's Image Matters
Types of Hunting Laws
Topic 2: Hunter Ethics
Being an Ethical Hunter
Respect Natural Resources
Video: Approached by a Conservation Officer
Respect Other Hunters
Respect Landowners
Respect Non-Hunters
Hunter's Personal Code of Conduct
Gray Areas of Ethical Behavior
Topic 3: The Five Stages of Hunter Development
Becoming a True Sportsman
Five Stages: Shooting Stage
Five Stages: Limiting-Out Stage
Five Stages: Trophy Stage
Five Stages: Method Stage
Five Stages: Sportsman Stage
True Sportsmen Become Involved
Topic 4: Learning to Make Wise Choices as a Hunter
Learning From Experience
Finding Ethical Hunting Partners
Unit 8: Preparation and Survival Skills
Topic 1: Importance of Planning and Preparation
Preparing for Risks
Four Key Parts of Preparing
The Hunting Plan
Physical Conditioning
Clothing
Video: Effectiveness of Blaze Orange
Day Pack-Survival Kit and Equipment
Topic 2: Topographic Maps and Compasses
Reading a Topographic Map
Selecting a Compass
"Red Fred in the Shed": Using a Compass
Understanding Declination
Plotting Your Progress
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Topic 3: Survival Skills
Switching Into Survival Mode
Rules of Survival
S.T.O.P.: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
Preparing a Shelter
Starting a Fire
Signaling for Help
Drinking Enough Water
Finding Food
Topic 4: Coping With Extreme Weather
Hypothermia
Symptoms and Treatment of Hypothermia
Frostbite
Basics of Cold Survival Without Fire
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Topic 5: First Aid
Basic First Aid
First Aid: Bleeding
First Aid: Broken Bones
First Aid: Burns, CO Poisoning, and Chest Wounds
First Aid: Drownings, Heart Attacks, and Falls From Tree Stands
First Aid: Shock
First Aid: Snakebite
First-Aid Kit
Unit 9: Understanding Wildlife
Topic 1: Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Preservation
Lessons in Wildlife Management
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
Causes of Threatened and Endangered Species
Habitat Management
Habitat Balancing Act
Carrying Capacity
Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands
Factors That Affect Surplus of Game Animals
The Hunter's Role in Wildlife Conservation
Topic 2: Wildlife Management and Conservation Principles
The Wildlife Manager's Role
Wildlife Management Practices
Beneficial Habitat Management Practices
Topic 3: Wildlife Identification
Developing Wildlife Identification Skills
Wildlife Categories
Large Mammals
Distinguishing Wolves From Coyotes
Small Mammals
Upland Birds
Waterfowl
Wetland Birds
Birds of Prey
Rare, Protected, or Endangered Species
Continue Your Wildlife Education
Unit 10: Virtual Field Day
Hunt Day 1
Welcome to the Virtual Field Day
Scenario 1: Muzzle Control
Scenario 1: Knowledge Check
Scenario 1: Review
Scenario 2: Field Carries
Scenario 2: Knowledge Check
Scenario 2: Review
Scenario 3: Tailgate Safety
Scenario 3: Knowledge Check 1
Scenario 3: Review 1
Scenario 3: Knowledge Check 2
Scenario 3: Review 2
Scenario 4: Exiting a Vehicle
Scenario 4: Knowledge Check
Scenario 4: Review
Scenario 5: Pheasant Hunt
Scenario 5: Knowledge Check
Scenario 5: Review
Hunt Day 2
Scenario 1: Exiting a Vehicle
Scenario 1: Knowledge Check 1
Scenario 1: Review 1
Scenario 1: Knowledge Check 2
Scenario 1: Review 2
Scenario 2: Field Carries
Scenario 2: Knowledge Check 1
Scenario 2: Review 1
Scenario 2: Knowledge Check 2
Scenario 2: Review 2
Scenario 3: Firearm Transportation
Scenario 3: Knowledge Check
Scenario 3: Review
Scenario 4: Zones-of-Fire
Scenario 4: Knowledge Check
Scenario 4: Review
Scenario 5: Target and Beyond
Scenario 5: Knowledge Check
Scenario 5: Review
Scenario 6: Trigger Guard
Scenario 6: Knowledge Check
Scenario 6: Review
Scenario 7: Ground Blinds
Scenario 7: Knowledge Check
Scenario 7: Review
Hunt Day 3
Scenario 1: Trigger Finger
Scenario 1: Knowledge Check
Scenario 1: Review
Scenario 2: Safeties
Scenario 2: Knowledge Check
Scenario 2: Review
Scenario 3: Firearm Safety
Scenario 3: Knowledge Check
Scenario 3: Review
Scenario 4: Terrain
Scenario 4: Knowledge Check 1
Scenario 4: Review 1
Scenario 4: Knowledge Check 2
Scenario 4: Review 2
Scenario 5: Safe Zones-of-Fire
Scenario 5: Knowledge Check
Scenario 5: Review
Scenario 6: Entering a Vehicle
Scenario 6: Knowledge Check
Scenario 6: Review
Hunt Day 4
Scenario 1: Tree Stand Safety Awareness
Scenario 1: Knowledge Check
Scenario 1: Review 1
Scenario 1: Review 2
Scenario 2: Tree Stand Safety: Safe Ascent
Scenario 2: Knowledge Check
Scenario 2: Review
Scenario 3: Tree Stand Safety: Safe Descent
Scenario 3: Knowledge Check
Scenario 3: Review
Scenario 4: Tree Stand Safety: Hunting Incident
Scenario 4: Knowledge Check
Scenario 4: Review
View Course Outline
Clothing also can affect your ability to perform safely and responsibly. Select clothing based on the weather you expect while being prepared for the worst.
In warm weather, wear a hat and light clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible to prevent heat exhaustion or sunburn.
Cold weather conditions call for clothing that is worn in layers. Layers offer superior insulation. Also, as weather warms up, you can shed a layer at a time to stay comfortable. Layers should include:
A vapor transmission layer (material such as polypropylene)—worn next to the body; it should release moisture from the skin while retaining warmth.
An insulating layer—weightier or bulkier; it should hold warm air around you.
A protective outer layer—available in various weights and materials according to conditions; it should protect the inner layers from water and wind.
The most important clothing choices are a daylight fluorescent orange hat and daylight fluorescent orange outerwear—a shirt, vest, or jacket.
Daylight fluorescent orange clothing makes it easier for one hunter to spot and recognize another hunter because nothing in nature matches this color. The orange color of the clothing should be plainly visible from all directions. This is required by law in many states.
Daylight fluorescent orange is also called blaze orange or hunter orange.
Other Clothing Essentials
A hat or cap with earflaps and gloves to retain body heat—most body heat is lost through the head and hands; gloves also protect your hands from abrasions and rope burns
Footwear that is sturdy, suitable for the conditions you’ll encounter, and has been broken in before the hunt
Two layers of socks—polypropylene against the skin and a wool outer layer
Wool is the best all-around choice for insulation because it still provides warmth when wet. The best clothing combination in bad weather is polyester or polypropylene underwear and shirt, wool pants, heavy jacket, and water-repellent rain pants and parka. Soaking wet clothing can lose heat several hundred times faster than dry clothing. Cotton clothing (underwear, T-shirts, jeans, flannel shirts) is a poor choice for cold, wet weather. When wet, cotton loses its already limited insulating ability and can cause rapid transfer of heat away from the body, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
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