Unit 1: Introduction to Hunter and Trapper Education
Topic 1: Firearm Safety Rules
Video: Welcome to Hunter Ed
Rules About Firearm Safety
Topic 2: The Importance of Hunter Education
Why Hunter/Trapper Education?
International Hunter Education Association
Hunter and Trapper Education Goals
Topic 3: Funding for Hunter Education
Hunter Education Funding Sources
Pittman–Robertson Act
Topic 4: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 2: 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
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: Hunter's Dilemma
Possible Situations in the Field
Dilemma #1: "That's My Deer!"
Dilemma #2: Ducks on the Pond
Topic 5: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 3: 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
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
Storing Ammunition
Topic 11: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 4: Wildlife and Conservation Management
Topic 1: Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife Conservation in Pennsylvania
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
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 Diseases
Cleaning Game
Chronic Wasting Disease
Hemorrhagic Disease
Lyme Disease
Rabies
Mange
Topic 4: Wildlife Identification
Wildlife Categories
Developing Wildlife Identification Skills
Large Mammals
Small Mammals
Upland Birds
Waterfowl
Birds of Prey
Rare, Protected, or Endangered Species
Pennsylvania Threatened and Endangered Species
Continue Your Wildlife Education
Topic 5: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 5: Outdoor Safety
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
The Red Cross and Good Samaritans
First-Aid Kit
Topic 6: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 6: Basic Hunting Techniques
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, Scents, and Decoys
Driving
Flushing and Hunting With Dogs
Trapping
Topic 3: Turkey Hunting
Staying Safe During Turkey Hunts
Identification
Male Wild Turkey
Female Wild Turkey
Turkey Hunting Safety
Topic 4: Vital Shots
Where to Shoot
Where to Aim When Turkey Hunting
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 5: Field Care of Game
Field Care Basics
Field Dressing Techniques
A Game Care Kit
Field Dressing Deer
Field Dressing Larger Game
Transporting Game
Topic 6: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 7: Advanced Hunting 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
Accessory Equipment
Powders for Muzzleloaders
Projectiles for Muzzleloaders
Topic 2: Basic Muzzleloader Safety and Skills
Basic Muzzleloader Safety
Steps for Loading a Muzzleloader
Loading an In-Line Muzzleloader
Steps for Loading an In-Line Muzzleloader
Unloading a Muzzleloader
Firing a Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader Hang Fire Situations
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
How a Broadhead Causes Death
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
Video: Archery Practice
Topic 5: Know Your Crossbow Equipment
The Crossbow
Comparing a Conventional Bow to a Crossbow
Parts of a Crossbow
Recurve vs. Compound Bow
Crossbow Safety Mechanism
The Need for Cocking Aids
Cocking Devices: Cocking Harness
Cocking Devices: Hand Cranks
Uncocking a Crossbow
Topic 6: Crossbow Shooting
Preventive Maintenance
Centering the Crossbow String's Serving Area
Cocking the Crossbow
Holding the Crossbow
Shooting the Crossbow
Video: Crossbow Safety
Topic 7: Game Recovery
Game Recovery Steps When Bow and Crossbow Hunting
How to Judge Distance
Video: Hey, I Got One
Topic 8: History of Primitive Hunting Equipment
History of Firearms
History of the Bow and Arrow
Topic 9: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 8: Trapping and Furtaking Basics
Topic 1: Benefits and Best Management Practices of Trapping
Benefits of Trapping
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Topic 2: Types of Traps
Kill Traps
Live-Hold Traps
Which Trap for Which Animal?
Trap Maintenance
Topic 3: Trapping Practices
Learn Best Practices
How Animals Are Used
Releasing Non-Target Species
Dispatching Trapped Animals
Characteristics of a Responsible Trapper
Topic 4: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 9: 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
Topic 5: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 10: Safe Hunting Skills
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
Helping Accident Victims
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
Stay Out! Stay Alive!
Topic 7: Hunting From Elevated Stands
Introduction to Elevated Stands
Pros and Cons of Elevated Stands
S.T.E.P.S. to Safe Tree Stand Hunting
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
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
Topic 10: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 11: Expanding Your Opportunities
Topic 1: Where to Hunt
Introduction to Opportunities
Pennsylvania Geographic Information
Public Land Area and Management Agencies
Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands
Hunting on Private Land
Topic 2: Advanced Programs
Wildlife Conservation Groups
Hunting and Trapping Opportunities
Successful Bowhunting
Successful Furtaking
Social Media Sportsmen
Outreach Programs
Mentor Someone
Topic 3: Summary
What You Learned
View Course Outline
Leave the land better than you found it.
Adhere to fair chase rules.
Learn about wildlife, and support wildlife conservation programs.
Know your capabilities and limitations as a marksman, and stay within your effective range.
Strive for a quick, clean kill.
Make sure that meat and usable parts are not wasted by harvesting only as much as can be used or shared.
Hunt only with other ethical hunters.
Abide by game laws and regulations.
Cooperate with conservation officers.
Report game violations.
If you are approached by a conservation officer in the field, remember they are doing their job—ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. As the officer approaches, keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction and open the action. The officer may ask to inspect your permits, firearms, game containers, and any wildlife you may possess. Always follow the officer’s instructions.
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