Hunting has an important tradition in American conservation. It is a tradition that provides a unique sense of independence and responsibility, as well as stewardship for the natural world. While many of us hunters know the benefits, we are in the minority of the general population.
Today, there are declining hunter numbers in many states, including my home state of Oregon. To reverse the trend, it is critical to focus on recruitment of young people. Volunteering as a hunter education instructor is one of the best ways that you can help.
Being an instructor is an enriching experience. Children and parents alike can’t hide their excitement after the child passes the class. A lifetime of amazing memories are in store for that family, and you helped make them happen. You also know you did your part to teach safe handling of firearms to children, the importance of which can’t be overstated.
Today, many states have a need for new instructors, and hunters are perfect for the role.
To put the need in perspective, as of June, in Oregon all scheduled hunter education courses are full for the rest of this year. More instructors would mean more classes. In turn, more young people would be taught the importance of hunter led conservation and the safe handling of firearms.
The time requirement is minimal. In Oregon, only 8 hours a year are needed to maintain your certification, which is the length of one field class.
Ronald Reagan once said,
“Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
That same concept applies to hunting and firearms. We cannot assume because we have those rights today they will always be there. Becoming a hunter education instructor is a great way to ensure those rights exist for future generations.
Contact your state’s fish and wildlife agency today to find out how to be an instructor. You will be happy and proud of yourself for doing your part to pass the hunting and firearm ownership tradition on.
If you live in Oregon, you can follow this link to apply to volunteer: