Topic 2: The Importance of Firearms Safety Education
Why Hunter Education?
Responsibility, Safety Skills, Knowledge, and Involvement
Why Handgun Education?
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
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 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: 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: 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
Introduction to Sights
Sights: Bead and Open (Iron)
Sights: Aperture (Peep)
Sights: Telescopic (Scope), Dot, and Laser
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 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
Topic 11: Storing Firearms
Storing Your Firearm
Using a Locking Device With a Handgun
Storing Ammunition
Unit 3: Basic Shooting Skills
Topic 1: Good Marksmanship and Accuracy
Fundamentals of Good Marksmanship
Know Your Accuracy Limits
Protect Your Vision and Hearing
Topic 2: Basic Rifle and Handgun Skills
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
Topic 3: Rifle Firing
Rifle-Firing Techniques
Firing Positions: Prone
Firing Positions: Standing
Firing Positions: Sitting
Firing Positions: Kneeling
Topic 4: Handgun Shooting
Handgun Techniques: How to Grip a Handgun
Handgun Techniques: How to Use a Two-Handed Hold
Handgun Techniques: One-Handed Grip Body Position
Handgun Techniques: Two-Handed Grip Body Position
Handgun Techniques: Sight Alignment and Aiming
Handgun Techniques: Breathing and Trigger Squeeze
Handgun Techniques: Follow Through
Topic 5: 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
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
Trapping
Topic 3: 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 4: Field Care of Game
Field Care Basics
Field Dressing Techniques
A Game Care Kit
Field Dressing Larger Game
Transporting Game
Unit 5: Firearm Safety
Topic 1: Why Firearm Safety Is Important
Introduction to Firearm Safety
Hunting Incidents
Main Causes of Hunting Incidents
Video: Staying Safe After the Shot
Importance of Safe Backstops
Firearm Safety at the Shooting Range
Outdoor Shooting Ranges
Topic 2: Firearm Safety at Home
Basic Rules
Handguns and Children
Video: Children and Firearms
Child Access Prevention Laws
Topic 3: 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 4: Safely Loading and Unloading Firearms
Loading Rifles and Shotguns
Video: Loading and Unloading Firearms
Loading Handguns
Unloading Rifles and Shotguns
Unloading Handguns
Topic 5: Transporting Firearms
Safely Transporting Firearms
Video: Transporting Firearms Safely
Air Travel Regulations
Video: Transporting on Airlines
Gun Cases for Transporting Firearms
More Ways to Transport Handguns
Video: Transporting Handguns
More on Handgun Holsters
Topic 6: 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 7: Other Safety Considerations
Self-Control and Target Identification
Shooting Accuracy
Alcohol and Drugs
Hang Fires and Misfires
Handguns Used for Personal Protection
Video: Drawer Versus Safe
Topic 8: Hunting From Elevated Stands
Introduction to Elevated Stands
Pros and Cons of Elevated Stands
Types of Elevated 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 (FASs)
Fall-Arrest System Safety Guidelines
Avoiding Suspension Trauma
Hauling Hunting Equipment Into a Stand
Elevated Stand Safety
Video: Tree Stand Hunting Safety
Topic 9: Hunting With Boats
Trip Preparation When Hunting With Boats
Transporting Firearms in a Boat
Zone-of-Fire in a Boat
Surviving Water Emergencies
Types of Personal Flotation Devices
Dealing With Cold Water Immersion
Survival Steps if You Cannot Get Out of the Water
Topic 10: 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 6: 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
The Hunter's Image Matters
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
Unit 7: 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
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 8: Understanding Wildlife
Topic 1: Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Preservation
Lessons in Wildlife Management
Causes of Threatened and Endangered Species
Habitat Management
Habitat Balancing Act
Carrying Capacity
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
Small Mammals
Upland Birds
Waterfowl
Wetland Birds
Birds of Prey
Rare, Protected, or Endangered Species
Continue Your Wildlife Education
Unit 9: Iowa Hunting Regulations
Topic 1: Iowa Game Species
Upland and Small Game
Migratory Game Birds
Turkeys and Deer
Furbearers
Protected Mammals
Non-Game Species
Topic 2: Knowing Education and Licensing Requirements
Who Must Complete a Hunter Education Course?
Who Must Have a Hunting License?
Other Requirements for Hunters
Topic 3: Hunting Licenses, Fees, and Locations
Types of Licenses and Stamps
License and Stamp Requirements
Types of Fees and Requirements
Exceptions to the License, Fee, and Stamp Requirements
Harvest Information Program
Hunting Locations
Topic 4: Hunting Seasons and Possession Limits
Hunting Seasons and Times
Possession Limits
Topic 5: Meeting Equipment Requirements
Blaze Orange
Legal Methods for Hunting Turkeys
Legal Methods for Hunting Deer
Legal Methods of Hunting and Trapping Furbearers
Restrictions on Methods for Hunting Migratory Game Birds
Topic 6: Tagging and Reporting Requirements for Deer and Wild Turkeys
Tagging Requirements for Deer and Wild Turkeys
Transporting Deer
When to Report Deer and Wild Turkeys
How to Report Deer and Wild Turkeys
Topic 7: Reporting and Tagging Requirements for Other Animals
Reporting and Tagging Requirements for Bobcats and Otters
Tagging Requirements for Migratory Game Birds
Transporting Pheasants
Other Transportation Tag Requirements
Topic 8: Avoiding Prohibited Activities
Shooting Regulations
Transporting Firearms
Trespassing Regulations
Hunting Near Buildings
ATVs/ORVs and Hunting
Baiting
Use of Communication Devices
Hunting With Artificial Light
Retrieval and Waste of Game
Topic 9: Hunting Violations and Enforcement
Reporting Violations
Penalties for Violating Hunting Laws
Enforcement
Unit 10: Iowa Handgun Laws
Topic 1: Carrying a Handgun
Introduction to Carrying a Handgun
Who May Carry a Handgun
Who May Not Get a Permit to Carry
Topic 2: Laws Related to Handguns
Knowing Prohibited Locations
Using a Firearm Recklessly
Learning the Laws Regarding Alcohol
Carrying a Firearm on an ATV or Snowmobile
Responding to a Law Enforcement Officer
Topic 3: Laws Related to Deadly Force
Deadly Force and Reasonable Force
Laws Related to Use of Force
Continue Your Education
View Course Outline
Sight Alignment
Sight alignment, which is important in rifle firing, is even more important in pistol shooting because of the shorter distance between the sights.
Typically, handgun sights consist of a square rear notch sight and a heavy square front blade sight. This arrangement is easy to align.
Most handguns are initially sighted-in at 50 feet.
Aiming
At the shooting range, many handgunners use a sight picture that places the bull’s-eye on the top of the front sight, rather than placing it in the sights over the center of the target. However, hunters should hold the alignment directly over the vital area.
Scopes with long eye relief have become popular with handgunners and offer exact sighting for hunters. Scopes may take longer to align on a target than open sights, but they’re usually more accurate.
As you aim your handgun, follow these guidelines.
When using an open sight, focus on the front sight. The target and the rear sight should appear blurred or fuzzy.
If you are a beginner, aim at the bottom center of the bull’s-eye. This is known as the “six o’clock hold” because the location matches six o’clock on the face of an analog clock.
Aim with your dominant eye, but keep both eyes open. This will give you more light and better depth perception.
Realize that you cannot hold the handgun completely still while aiming. To reduce the amount of movement, rest between shots and do not grip the gun too tightly.
