In 1949, New York state became one of the first states to require a mandatory hunter safety course as a prerequisite for obtaining one’s first hunting license. Any holder of a hunting license issued prior to that year was “grandfathered” in and was able to continue purchasing an annual hunting license for big and/or small game. The course was required for any new hunter, regardless of age, who had never held a hunting license before.

A volunteer cadre of some 3,000 instructors currently conduct these courses, as well as bow hunter education courses, and they certify around 30,000 new hunters annually through approximately 1,200 courses.

Most of these courses are conducted during August and November, in advance of big game hunting seasons, but some are also offered in March or April, prior to the spring turkey season. Wherever and whenever a youngster or other new hunter needs such a course, there’s usually one available somewhere nearby.

Since these courses began almost 64 years ago, the number of hunting-related accidents has dropped dramatically. Hunters are an inherently safe lot, but by formalizing the training and giving new hunters the tools and knowledge they need to develop and continue safe hunting practices the rate of accidents has continued to drop.

Even during years when the accident rate spiked a bit for one reason or another, the number of accidents continued to drop at a faster rate than the number of new hunters being added. My compliments to all the volunteers, many of them with decades of experience conducting these free classes. Thanks to their efforts and dedication we enjoy one of the lowest hunter accident rates in the nation.

ONE IN LONG LAKE

Continuing on that subject, you should be aware that a free two-day Hunter Education Course will be offered soon at Long Lake Town Hall. It will run from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Enrollees must attend and participate in both sessions of this course and must pass a final exam in order to earn the completion certificate that can be used to purchase a hunting license at any of the many license-issuing agents in the state.

Enrollees must be at least 11 years of age in order to take the course. Pre-registration is required. For further information or to pre-register you can call (518) 624-3077.

TAKE A YOUNGSTER HUNTING

Unlike New York state, about half of United States hunters live in states where parents - not politicians - decide when their youngsters are ready for big game hunting.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, “Most adult hunters say that learning to hunt was an essential step in their lives. They learned responsibility, discipline and respect for nature and cycles of life. Invariably, hunting has also given them a lifetime of wonderful memories gained in being outdoors with family and friends.”

With our small game seasons, as well as portions of our big game seasons, almost here, what’s the best way to start or strengthen your family’s own hunting tradition? Here are a few tips the NSSF offers for taking a youngster hunting.

1. Instill safety, etiquette and ethics. Teaching and encouraging safety standards gives youngsters the sense of responsibility they’ll need to enjoy a lifetime of great hunting experiences.

2. Keep it fun and low key. Don’t get too serious or competitive. There’s no need to turn novices into pros on their first outing. It’s far more important to just have a good, safe time.

3. Start with basics. If you learned to hunt when you were young, today you likely perform the entire process automatically. Make a conscious effort to explain and demonstrate step-by-step what the new hunter should do, so he or she will feel comfortable later doing these things by themselves.

4. Recognize small accomplishments. Shooting game is always a welcome bonus, but recognition for doing things properly in the field is more important. A well-timed compliment goes a long way.

5. Be positive. If you build youngsters’ self-esteem and self-confidence, it’s more likely they’ll enjoy hunting and want to go again.

6. Share your own love of the outdoors. Help your young hunters notice things around them. Draw their attention to signs of wildlife and help them understand the important role hunters play in the conservation of natural resources.

7. Provide appropriate equipment. Make sure the equipment you provide is the right size and weight for the youngster. A 12 gauge shotgun with its relatively hefty recoil may be too much for a youngster; a 20 gauge will do equally well and be less punishing.

8. Hands-on instruction helps. Everyone learns best by doing. While lecturing is often necessary and even advisable, doing is equally important.

9. Create a feeling of independence. Youngsters want to become increasingly independent. Help them develop new skills and then, when you feel they’re ready, give them the opportunity and the freedom to practice those skills on their own, but under as much of your supervision as you deem necessary.

10. Choose the right location. Convenience is always a consideration, whether on public or private land. If you want to help the youngster develop as a good upland game hunter, for example, don’t hesitate to make a visit or two to a hunting preserve where he can be virtually assured of some success while applying what you’ve taught him or her.

Granted, many of the elements suggested above are also taught quite effectively in Hunter Education courses, but what you later do as a parent or guardian is equally important in determining whether or not the young hunter becomes devoted to the sport.