Page 2 - 2020 November/December Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine

Panoramas

ou’ve probably seen us telling everyone who’ll While there is no doubt that the requirement for hunter
listen that the Outdoors Are Always Open, education has improved the safety and ethics of hunters in
even during this pandemic. People must have the field, it remains only one step in the path for the educated
Y received the message, because a record number hunter. This path usually has a clear beginning, but it has no
of Oklahomans have bought a fishing license this year. Now clear ending because hunters continue to learn the rest of their
that the fall hunting seasons are upon us, I expect we will see lives. Just as it has for many generations, hunting remains a

a record number of hunting licenses sold this year, also. skill passed down from seasoned hunters to new hunters.
Before buying a hunting license in Oklahoma, most people While parents and other mentors have always been invited
are required to take a hunter education class. With the pan- to be a part of the hunter education course, the online course
demic causing some in-person hunter education presents a unique opportunity.
classes to be canceled and with many Oklaho- I’ve taught many live courses. I love to see
mans choosing to avoid public gatherings, it students show up to a class with a mentor. One
might seem that new hunters are out of luck this thing I can predict with near certainty is that

year. Not so! Thanks to the free, online hunter those students will pass the test and very likely
education course we offer through a partnership make a high score on the test. I’m not sure
with the National Rifle Association, getting exactly why this is, but it shows that each of
hunter education certification is easier than ever. those new hunters has the support of an expe-
Oklahoma moved to a completely online hunt- rienced hunter. Mentors know that a hunter’s
er education course several years ago. Whether path includes many things, and that a hunter
Lance Meek
because of the pandemic or simply because of education course is an important step.
time and transportation issues, thousands of Oklahomans have This pandemic has taken a lot from us. But it has presented
chosen to get their hunter education certification using the online an opportunity for parents and other mentors to be a bigger

course. With no increase in hunting accidents, the online course part of one of the most important steps of becoming a hunter.
has been determined to be as effective as in-person hunter educa- So, sign up your new hunters for the course. Sit down with
tion classes in providing students with the knowledge and skills them and take the course, too. Help them with it. It’s not
they need to be a safe and ethical hunter. cheating, it’s showing them that you think their training is
The course was designed by hunters for hunters with the important. It will be something they will remember. And, you
help of one of the nation’s best online instruction providers. It might be surprised to find that you learn something, as well.
covers everything a hunter needs to know to be safe and ethical See you in the field!

in the field. It can be done in the comfort of your home and at
your own pace. Take it in one sitting, or come back as many
times as you need until you complete it. It isn’t just limited to
your computer; it is also available on your mobile device. Lance Meek, Hunter Education Coordinator

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