Today's Hunter (NC)
Chapter 1: Introduction to hunter education
Why hunter ed?
The first mandated hunter ed program was in new york
Mission: to develop safe ethical and responsible hunters and to ensure the continuation of the hunting tradition
IHEA (International hunter education association)
Mission: to continue the heritage of hunting worldwide by developing safe ethical and responsible hunters
Responsibility, Safety Skills, Knowledge, and Involvement
Responsibility: courtesy, respect of others and of wildlife, and involvement
Safety Skills: gained through hands-on training and practice
Knowledge: learning and understanding the basics of safe gun handling and hunting
Involvement: efforts to keep hunting a respected sport
Hunter ed funding sources
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Non-governmental organizations
Firearm and Archery manufacturers
Local hunting clubs, civic clubs, and businesses
Pittman-Robertson Act
Approved by congress in 1937
Provides funding for the selection, restoration, and improvement of wildlife habitat, and for wildlife research
Amended in 1970 to include funding for hunter education programs
11% excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment
10% tax on handguns
Each state’s proportion of the funds is based on the area of the state and the number of licensed hunters in the state
Chapter 2: Be a responsible and ethical hunter
Why do we have hunting laws?
Game conservation
limiting hunting methods and equipment
Safety, Opportunity, and Funding
Establish safety guidelines for hunting that protect both hunters and non-hunters
collecting license fees
Fair Chase
Boone and Crockett club founded by Theodore Roosevelt
Banning the use of vehicles, airplanes, and radios; electronic calling; or shooting in a fenced enclosure
The hunters image matters
Nationally about 5% of the population hunts
Hunter ethics
Ethics: moral principles or values that distinguish between right or wrong
Ethics generally cover behavior that has to do with issues of fairness, respect, and responsibility not covered by laws
The hunter’s ethical code
Aldo Leopold is the “father of wildlife management”
Respect natural resources
leave land better than you found it
Adhere to fair chase rules
Strive for a quick and clean kill
Abide by game laws and regulations
Report game violations
Respect other hunters
Don’t interfere with another’s hunt
Avoid consuming alcohol
Share your knowledge and skills with others
Respect landowners
Ask landowners for permission to hunt
Treat livestock and crops as your own
Leave all gates the way you found them
If you notice something wrong notify the landowner
Respect non-hunters
Transport animals discreetly
Keep firearms out of sight
Refrain from taking graphic photos of the kill
Maintain a presentable appearance
Five stages of hunter development
Shooting stage
Limiting out stage
Trophy stage
Method Stage
Sportsman stage
Chapter 3: Wildlife conservation and management
Wildlife conservation
Conservation: wise use of natural resources without wasting them
Preservation: Saving natural resources but with no consumptive use of them
Lessons in wildlife management
Wildlife management:Science and practice of maintaining wildlife populations and their habitats
Habitat: Complete environment of an animal for survival: food, water, cover, space, and arrangement
The north american model of wildlife conservation
Native fish and wildlife are public property
Wildlife cannot be slaughtered for commercial use
Habitat management
Edge effect: refers to the consequences of placing two contrasting ecosystems adjacent to one another
Carrying capacity
Carrying capacity: the number of animals the habitat can support all year
Wildlife management practices
Monitoring wildlife populations: provides the data needed to set hunting regulations and determine if other wildlife management practices are needed to conserve wildlife species
Habitat improvement: wildlife managers may cut down or burn forested areas to promote new growth and slow down the process of succession
Hunting regulations: protect habitat and preserve animal populations
Hunting: keep animal populations in balance with their habitat
Predator control: reduce predators to enable some wildlife populations, particularly threatened or endangered species
Artificial stocking: trapping animals in areas where they are abundant and releasing them in areas of suitable habitat where they are not abundant
Controlling or preventing disease and its spread
Management funds/programs: many states have initiated programs that help finance conservation efforts
Chapter 4: Know your firearms and equipment
Basic parts of a firearm
Action: moving parts that load, unload, fire, and eject
Stock: handle of the firearm
Barrel: metal tube that the projectile travels through
Bore: inside of the barrel through which the projectile is fired
Breech: Rear end of the barrel
Firing pin: a pin that strikes the primer of the cartridge
Receiver: Metal housing for the working parts of the action
Parts of a bolt-action rifle
Sight: device used for aiming
Chamber: base of the barrel used to hold the cartridge
Bolt: movable metal block that seals a cartridge into the chamber
Safety: Mechanical device that blocks the trigger or hammer to help prevent accidental fire
Stock: handle of the firearm
Muzzle: the end of the barrel where the projectile exits
Barrel: metal tube that the projectile travels through
Forestock: front portion of the stock
Magazine: container on a repeating firearm that holds the ammunition before it’s loaded into the chamber
Trigger: small lever that is squeezed to start the firing process
Trigger guard: piece that surrounds the trigger to prevent it from being accidentally squeezed or bumped
Butt: the part of the stock that you hold against your shoulder when shooting
Common features of firearms
Firearm actions
Bolt action: operates like opening and closing a door bolt
Lever action: has a large metal lever located behind the trigger
Pump action: fast and smooth, it allows the shooter to re-cock without taking their eye off the target
Semi-automatic action: as each shot is manually fired, the case is ejected and the chamber is automatically reloaded
Break (or hinge) action: operates on the same principle as a door hinge
Revolving action: takes its name from the revolving cylinder containing a number of cartridges, one chamber at a time lines up with the barrel as the firearm is fired
Safety Mechanisms
Cross-bolt safety: push-button action that blocks the trigger or hammer
Pivot safety: a pivoting lever or tab that blocks the trigger or firing pin
Slide or tang safety: a sliding bar or button that blocks the firing action
Half-cock or hammer safety: positions the trigger at half-cock
Sights
Bead sight: simple round bead set into the top of the barrel near the muzzle of a shotgun
Open sight: combination of a bead or post front sight and a notched rear sight
Aperture (peep) sight: Combination of a bead or post front sight and a rear hole set on the rifle’s receiver close to the shooter’s eye
Telescopic sight (scope): gathers light, brightening the image and magnifying the target
Dot sight: uses electronic or optical fibers to project a glowing dot or other mark on a lense in front of the shooter’s eye
Difference between rifles, shotguns, and handguns
The main differences between rifles, shotguns, and handguns are their barrels and the type of ammunition used
A rifle or handgun caliber
Caliber: usually measured in hundredths of an inch, thousandths of an inch, or millimeters
A shotgun’s gauge
Gauge: a measure related to the diameter of the smooth shotgun bore and the size of the shotshell designed for that bore
The smaller the gauge number the larger the bore
Shotgun choke and shot string
Shot string: the three dimensional spread of shot pellets after they leave the barrel
Chokes
Cylinder: shot string spreads quickly
Improved cylinder: has a slight constriction (good choice for quail, rabbits, and other upland game at relatively close ranges)
Modified: the pellets stay together longer (often used when dove hunting)
Full: has a tight constriction (good choice for squirrels, turkey, and other game shot at 40-yard and longer ranges
What is ammunition?
Basic components of ammunition
Case: the container that holds all the other ammunition components together
Primer: an explosive chemical compound that ignites the gunpowder when struck by a firing pin
Gunpowder: a chemical mixture that burns rapidly and converts to an expanding gas when ignited
Projectile: the object(s) expelled from the barrel
Wad: a seal and/or shot container made of paper or plastic separating the powder from the slug or shot in a shotshell
Rifle and handgun cartridges
The bullet is usually made of lead
Common types of Rifle bullets
Pointed soft point
Rounded soft point
Protected tip
Full metal jacket (illegal for big game hunting in most states)
Common types of handgun bullets
Roundnose lead
Full metal jacket
Semi-wad cutter
Hollowpoint
Wad cutter
How a firearm works
Pulling the trigger causes the firing pin to strike and explode the primer
The spark created ignites the gunpowder which burns rapidly and converts to a gas
The gas rapidly expands and drives the projectile(s) through the barrel with great force
Cleaning your firearm
Point the muzzle in a safe direction and make sure the gun is unloaded
Chapter 5: Basic shooting skills
Good marksmanship and accuracy
good marksmanship is built on three fundamentals
Proper sight adjustment and patterning
Proper shooting technique
Practice
Know your accuracy limits
An 8-inch paper plate is the standard target for establishing deer hunting accuracy
Rifle firing
Sighting-in a rifle
rifle bullets travel in an arc
All rifles should be sighted in with the ammunition you plan to hunt with before every hunt
Other that ensuring accurate shots, sighting in your rifle has other advantages
Forces you to practice
Makes accurate firing possible
Helps identify problems with your technique
Helps determine the farthest range at which you can hit your target
Improves safety by helping you know where your rifle will fire
Builds confidence in your firing ability
Firing positions
Prone
Standing
Sitting
Kneeling
Shotgun shooting
Matching choke to your quarry
A choke allows you to fine-tune your shotgun for the type of game you’re hunting
Shotgun-shooting techniques
A shotgun is almost always shot at a moving target from a standing position. You must be able to swing freely over a wide arc and maintain control
Snap-shooting
A technique to use if you must make a quick shot and the target is straight ahead at close range
Raise the shotgun and point where you think the target will be when the shot arrives
Leading the target
Swing through
Point your shotgun and swing with it
Best for beginning students
Sustained lead
Requires more experience
Estimate the length of time needed to hit the target and maintain that lead as you swing with the target, fire, and continue to swing
Handgun shooting
Loading and handling
Single-action revolvers usually load through a gate on the right side of the frame
Double action revolvers have cylinders that fall downward exposing all chambers for loading
Semi-automatics usually fore rounds stored in a magazine that is inserted in the grip or handle
Sight alignment
Most handguns are initially sighted-in at 50 feet
Shooting
Handguns are held at arm’s length
Chapter 6: Basic hunting skills
Planning and preparation
Know your quarry
Four basic categories
Large mammals: big game, such as deer, elk, and bear
Small mammals: small game, such as rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons
Upland birds: turkey, grouse, quail, and dove
Waterfowl: ducks and geese
Animal characteristics
Animals can be identified by four basic characteristics
Distinctive markings
Sounds
Movement
Group behavior
Hunting strategies
Still hunting
Wait for the game to come to you
Game should be unaware of your presence
Stalking
Follow signs leading to a particular type of game or group of animals or close the distance to game already spotted
Posting
Involves sitting or standing in one spot
Ground blinds
Makeshift or temporary structures located on the ground that conceal the hunter
Elevated stands
Tower stands are above-ground seats or blinds that conceal the hunter above the level of the quarry
Tree stands are stands placed in or against trees
Game calling
Effective technique for most animals
Uses sounds to attract animals close enough to them for an effective shot
Driving
Involves a group of hunters, some acting as “drivers” and others as “posters”
Flushing
Involves using noise or movement or dogs to cause game to become nervous and leave cover
Trapping
Traps can be set on land or in or near the water
Bodygrip traps catch the animals entire body
Foothold traps catch the animal when it steps on the trap
Snares or cable devices use a loop of cable to catch a furbearer by the neck, body, or leg
Vital Shots
Choosing the proper shot angle
Broadside: the preferred shot angle for both firearm and bow hunters for larger game animals, such as bear and deer
Quartering-away: when your target is facing away from you, but at an angle. The animal is usually looking away from you
Quartering-toward: when the animal is facing toward you but at an angle
Head-on: the animal will certainly detect your movements
Rear-end: should not be taken
Trailing wounded game
Wait at least a half-hour to an hour before trailing a deer, unless the downed game is in sight
If you lose a trail, search in a circular or grid pattern and try to pick up the trail again
Approaching downed game
The eyes of a dead animal are usually open
Approach downed game from above and behind the head
Field care of game
Heat is the number-one concern
Meat begins to spoil above 40o fahrenheit
Chapter 7: Primitive hunting equipment and techniques
Muzzleloading accessory equipment
Powder horn or flask: container used to carry extra powder
Pan primer: smaller container used to carry and dispense the powder for the flash pan of a flintlock
Capper: tool used to put percussion caps on the nipple
Propellants and projectiles
Propellants
Black powder: a traditional powder made of potassium nitrate (saltpeter), sulfur, and charcoal
Projectiles
Round balls: traditional but lose power and accuracy at medium and longer ranges
Bullets: prefered for hunting because of their greater accuracy and power
Sabot bullets: have an enclosing case or “sabot” of plastic to engage the rifling and impart spin to the bullet
Powerbelt bullets: have a solid plug in the base that is driven by the ignition of the powder, expanding the bullet sides to take the rifling
Shot pellets
Basic muzzleloader skills
Unloading a muzzleloader
CO2 discharger (safest method)
Cleaning a muzzleloader
Fouling: the buildup of residue in a muzzleloader
Know your bow and arrow
Modern bows can shoot arrows up to 400 yards, at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour
History of the bow and arrow
The use of the bow and arrow is recorded as early 3000 BC.
In 1879, the national archery association was founded
Common bow types
Longbow
has straight limbs that form and arc when strung
Recurve bow
like the longbow, but the limbs curve back away from the belly of the bow
Compound bow
wheels and cables attached to the limbs make it easier to hold at full draw
Stringing a bow
A bowstring is simply a strong cord with a loop or pocket at each end that fits over the limb tip of recurve bows and some longbows
Parts of an arrow
Shaft: the long spine of the arrow
Fletching: the plastic vanes or feathers on an arrow
Arrowhead: the point of the arrow
Nock: a slotted plastic tip located on the rear end of the arrow that snaps onto the string and holds the arrow in position
Common types of arrowheads
Bullet points: steel point used for target shooting and small game hunting
Blunt point: used for small game hunting and some types of target shooting made of steel, hard rubber, or plastic
Field point: steel point used for target shooting and small game hunting
Bowhunting safety and skills
Bow-shooting position
Stand at a right angle to the target with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart
Drawing and anchoring
The anchor point may be the corner of your mouth, your cheekbone, or your chin
Aiming the bow
Bow sights work best when the distance to the target is known
Instinctive aiming is more versatile than the bow sight method
Chapter 8: Be a safe hunter
Remember: 80% of all firearm incidents occur within 10 yards of the muzzle
Why firearm safety is important
Firearm safety in the home
Statistics show that more than half of the fatal firearm incidents reported each year occur in the homes
Four main causes of hunting incidents
Hunter judgment mistakes
Safety rule violations
Lack of control and practice
Mechanical failure
Safely carrying firearms in the field
Safety on until immediately before you’re ready to shoot
Proper field carries
Sling carry: easy carry for long treks through open country. Not recommended for thick brush because the gun could be knocked from your shoulder
Trail carry: Leaves a hand free for balance, but don’t use it when you’re behind someone
Cradle carry: comfortable and secure; reduces arm fatigue
Elbow or side carry: Comfortable, but it has the least muzzle control
Shoulder carry: good choice when walking beside or behind someone
Two-handed or “ready” carry: provides the best control, particularly in thick brush or weeds, or when you need to fire quickly
Safe zone-of-fire
Safe zone-of-fire is the zone in which a hunter can shoot safely
Other safety considerations
Self-control and target identification
Accuracy
Alcohol and drugs
Hunting with boats
Zone-of-fire in a boat
When duck hunting, the back-to-back position is the safest
Cold water immersion and hypothermia
HELP: Heat Escape Lessening Posture
Hunting with dogs
In 1989, the north carolina general assembly designated the plott hound as the official state dog
Pointers: used primarily for upland game birds
Retrievers: used primarily to retrieve waterfowl
Spaniels: used mainly as flushers
Hunting hounds: used to hunt raccoons and rabbits in the southeast, mountain lions and bears in the west, and deer in some states
Chapter 9: Hunting from elevated stands
Types of elevated stands
Portable tree stands
Hang-on stands
Climbing stands
Ladder stands
Freestanding
Fall-arrest systems
Full-body harness
Teather: attaches the full body harness to the tree strap/belt or tree stand safety line
Suspension relief strap
Tree strap/tree belt: strap that goes around the tree
Safety rope/line: goes around the tree and extends from the base of the tree to the hunting height
Hunting height: the height at, or above, head level when you are standing on a tree stand platform
Carabiner
Chapter 10: Preparation and survival skills
Importance of planning and safety
Be ready
Know your location
Prepare for safety
Tell others
Clothing
Wool is the best choice because it still provides warmth when wet
Cold weather calls for clothes worn in layers
Always wear s\daylight fluorescent orange
Survival skills
Remember: STOP stands for Stop Think Observe and Plan
You need shelter, water, fire, and food
International sign for distress is three shots, three blasts on a whistle, three flashes with a mirror, or three fires evenly spaced