Firstoff, I've been involved in Sportsmen Education for a decade, both general and archery. I've taught with 2 different groups and both carry the torch for introducing new archers into the world of bowhunting. Both will not teach a class past late Summer nor certify anyone who they feel does not fit the bill of what a licensed, ethical bowhunter should be.
My point that I am getting to is this, while waiting on line to purchase my license recently, there were 2 young men, both 18, who wanted to purchase their bowhunting licenses. Here on Long Island, we are in the Sounthern Zone, which opens along with Westchester on October 1st. The rest of the SZ opens on the 15th of October.
These young men just got their bowhunting certification the day before they went to get their licenses. They are totally inexperienced, and one of them also just purchased a bow, arrows, and a case. From what I overheard during the 45 minute license purchasing experience, was that neither one had any experience hunting with any implement or any time in the woods.
I know that we want new blood, but to hold a class just days before the season opens, and issue a license to inexperienced "hunters" and allow them into the woods boggles my mind. I know that we all started somewhere, but during the conversation they never once mentioned any older, wiser, experienced hunter that they we going afield with. Just the two of them headed out there.
I tried to offer some sage advice but they knew it all, after all, they passed the courses and had their back tags. Who was I to tell them anything.
The two groups that I taught past classes with always, and I do mean always, drove home the point of practice, practice, practice. These kids will probably have the feathers in front when they draw their bows.
Topic: Sportsmen Education (Read 1183 times)
