BERWYN ROD & GUN CLUB MARYLAND'S HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Teaching Safety, Respect and Responsibility

Since 1977, when all first time hunters in Maryland were required to complete a hunter education course, the number of hunting accidents has declined dramatically. The Hunter Education Program is designed to reduce hunting accidents, teach hunter ethics and responsibility, teach firearms safety and promote wildlife conservation.

Over 200 Hunter Education Classes are held in Maryland each year, with Berwyn participating with one class each month for May, September and October. Hunter Education Classes help instill the values of responsible, ethical and safe hunting. The course is taught by teams of trained volunteer instructors who give their time to ensure that first time hunters are provided with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to become a safe and successful hunter.

COURSE CONTENT

The Maryland Hunter Education Course requires a minimum of 10 hours but most classes are 12-14 hours. The following topics are taught in the class.
 

• Hunter Ethics and Responsibility
• History of Firearms
• Rifles
• Shotguns
• Handguns
• Ammunition
• Firearms Handling
• Blackpowder and Muzzleloading
• Bowhunting
• Wildlife Identification
• Principles of Wildlife Management
• Survival
• Hypothermia
• Water Safety
• First Aid

 In order to satisfactorily complete the Hunter Education Course, each student must:
 

1. Attend each session of the course.
2. Pass a 50 question written test.
3. Complete practical exercises, which demonstrate to the instructor the student's ability to safely handle a firearm.
4. Participate in supervised live firing on a range.
5. Be recommended by the instructor. No student will be issued a certificate who demonstrates to the instructor that he or she will not be a safe, ethical and responsible hunter.

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There is no minimum age to obtain a hunting license in Maryland and there is no minimum age to take a Hunter Education Course. Often, young children have a difficult time with the material that must be learned (there is a lot of homework). They may also lack the upper body strength and coordination to safely handle a firearm and control the muzzle during practical exercises.

Younger children who attend the class may be required to attend with a participating adult. Parents are encouraged to take the course with their youngsters. Parents who complete the course with their youngsters will also receive their certificate as well. Even parents who do not wish to take the tests will find the class informative and enjoyable.

Maryland Hunter Education Certificates are issued to students who successfully complete the course and these certificates are recognized by all 50 states and the Canadian provinces.

 FEES

Instructor teams may charge a fee or ask for donations for the course. The fee may be up to $6.00 a person. The fees and donations collected are used by the instructor team to cover any overhead expenses and purchase teaching aids.

 INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

The heart of Maryland's Hunter Education Program is the corps of trained volunteer instructors who provide the instruction. Approximately 600 adults are certified as Hunter Education Instructors. Basic qualifications require that an instructor be at least 21 years of age, experienced and knowledgeable in hunting, sporting arms and wildlife, as well as being skilled in the organization and education of youth. Instructor applicants must undergo background checks and receive extensive training prior to being certified as instructors.

 Additional information concerning the programs of the Natural Resources Police Outdoor Education Division is available by contacting the address or phone number below. Course schedules are updated on a regular basis. Persons interested in the Hunter Education Course should start planning early in the year to arrange to enroll in a convenient class and ensure a class is available. Classes are usually filled quickly.

For registration to Berwyn classes contact Chris Buss at 301-464-9830.

Links for Hunter Education Information:

Maryland DNR Hunter Education Classes

International Hunter Education Association

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