Today was our (daughter and I) Hunter's Ed Safety Course at Cherry Ridge.

 

First, they take you on a walk through the woods, this is the "field" part of the exam, discuss items you need for the multiple choice test later and show you how to follow a blood trail, they show you pictures of various game animals and discuss the appropriate hunting devices (bow, shotgun, muzzleloader, rifle) for each.

 

Then they send you to each of the individual courses (bow, shotgun, muzzleloader/rifle).

 

We began at bow. A guy with a scoped crossbow went first, it was like he was shooting a scoped Rem 700, that thing was RIGHT ON. I (on the other hand) borrowed a friend's bow, it's older and used. The instructor inspected it and because it was missing an E clip, I could not use it. My daughter was not prepared to take the bow portion though we both signed up for it. We can revisit this without having to go through the "field" portion of the course IF we do it within a year of today. If we decide to do this, it will be with a crossbow.

 

We proceeded to shotgun where two older grandpa types and an older woman walked us through the shotgun portion. My daughter fired several shots from the shotgun and demonstrated her safety proficiency with the shotgun, she passed. (I'm putting on my Ray Ray) I nailed every clay and the old guys said it was so refreshing to see someone who can shoot. (Ray Ray off)

 

We ended at muzzleloader/rifle. The instructor showed us step by step how to use an inline muzzleloader with pelletized black powder. It was easy as pie.

 

Then we ended up at the clubhouse for the multiple choice test. In my opinion, no one should fail this test, providing you did your workbook.

 

The instructors were beyond excellent.

Welcome to the hunting community :clap:

Welcome to the hunting community :clap:

 

Thanks!

I did the course over a year ago and it was well run.

 

Grats to your daughter. That certificate is good forever so get it laminated.

Congrats to the both of you.

 

She must have been so happy. I can see the smile.

Cherry Ridge was by far the best place I have been to for the different tests. The first one at Ramsey Outdoor in Paramus...need I say more. WHen the wife lets me spend some money I will join up there, but she is tight with the buck these days (thanks obama)

 

Have a great time huting.

Cherry Ridge was by far the best place I have been to for the different tests. The first one at Ramsey Outdoor in Paramus...need I say more. WHen the wife lets me spend some money I will join up there, but she is tight with the buck these days (thanks obama)

 

Have a great time huting.

 

:romance-ballandchain:

Congrats to you and your daughter! While I have no interest in hunting, it's very cool to be able to do something like that with your kid :clap:

Congrats to you and your daughter! While I have no interest in hunting, it's very cool to be able to do something like that with your kid :clap:

 

Pete - you know you can use the hunter's safety card as "training" on your Florida CCW application...

I didn't know that actually.. Very good to know

I didn't know that actually.. Very good to know

 

I suppose I should also mention that it's the right price. If it's free, it's for me.

I didn't know that actually.. Very good to know

 

I suppose I should also mention that it's the right price. If it's free, it's for me.

Also a big plus!! I think the First Steps class I took with GFH a while ago qualifies for Florida, so I think I'm good if I ever choose to get my FL CCW. But it's definitely a great option to have, especially since the First Steps class was quite a few bux more than free

 

I'm curious tho - do they actually make you shoot the bow and expect you to hit something? Not sure I'd pass that part of the test :oops:

 

I'm curious tho - do they actually make you shoot the bow and expect you to hit something? Not sure I'd pass that part of the test :oops:

 

Yeah. You have to hit the target. The goal is they need to be sure you don't gut shot the animal or even non fatally injure the animal and cause suffering.

Makes sense. I didn't realize there were that many bow hunters that it would warrant automatically including bows in a safety course.

It isn't automatic....you pick whether you want Rifle, shotgun, bow or any combination. It's also extra sections in the workbook to go over.

OOOH ok I get it now

Good info here..!

I'm planning on taking this exam either this Saturday or next weekend. Quick question...

 

How long did the whole course/exam take? I'm hearing anywhere from 2hrs to 6..

I'm only doing the shotgun portion.

 

Reason I'm asking, I have a dentist appt this Saturday at 12noon. If I can take the course/exam and be done in 2-3hrs, I can make my appt.. If not, then I'd have to wait another week before getting my license... and I'm ready!! :mrgreen:

Good info here..!

I'm planning on taking this exam either this Saturday or next weekend. Quick question...

 

How long did the whole course/exam take? I'm hearing anywhere from 2hrs to 6..

I'm only doing the shotgun portion.

 

Reason I'm asking, I have a dentist appt this Saturday at 12noon. If I can take the course/exam and be done in 2-3hrs, I can make my appt.. If not, then I'd have to wait another week before getting my license... and I'm ready!! :mrgreen:

 

If you are only doing shotgun, you could probably finish in 2-3 hours. Not sure where you're going but if it's at Cherry Ridge, go early. Once enough people arrive for the first field walk, they'll take a group so you'll get done sooner.

Good info here..!

I'm planning on taking this exam either this Saturday or next weekend. Quick question...

 

How long did the whole course/exam take? I'm hearing anywhere from 2hrs to 6..

I'm only doing the shotgun portion.

 

Reason I'm asking, I have a dentist appt this Saturday at 12noon. If I can take the course/exam and be done in 2-3hrs, I can make my appt.. If not, then I'd have to wait another week before getting my license... and I'm ready!! :mrgreen:

 

If you are only doing shotgun, you could probably finish in 2-3 hours. Not sure where you're going but if it's at Cherry Ridge, go early. Once enough people arrive for the first field walk, they'll take a group so you'll get done sooner.

 

If I go tomorrow, it will be at the Black River (Chester) site.

2-3hrs I can do and should make it back in time for the dentist. I just dont want to rush.. Thanks for the info!

It depends mostly on how many people show up. We had a fairly small group at CR, I think less than 20 people.

It depends mostly on how many people show up. We had a fairly small group at CR, I think less than 20 people.

 

Wow, when I did it there must have been 80+ The muzzleloader thing was backed up for a while.

It depends mostly on how many people show up. We had a fairly small group at CR, I think less than 20 people.

 

Wow, when I did it there must have been 80+ The muzzleloader thing was backed up for a while.

 

People are not rushing to get into deer season at this point, so I think that is a contributing factor.

It depends mostly on how many people show up. We had a fairly small group at CR, I think less than 20 people.

 

Wow, when I did it there must have been 80+ The muzzleloader thing was backed up for a while.

 

People are not rushing to get into deer season at this point, so I think that is a contributing factor.

 

I looked at my card...I took it on April 19 2009....roughly the same time you did.

It depends mostly on how many people show up. We had a fairly small group at CR, I think less than 20 people.

 

Wow, when I did it there must have been 80+ The muzzleloader thing was backed up for a while.

 

How long did it take you with that many people? The class is showing about 30 people registered on the website..

It depends mostly on how many people show up. We had a fairly small group at CR, I think less than 20 people.

 

Wow, when I did it there must have been 80+ The muzzleloader thing was backed up for a while.

 

How long did it take you with that many people? The class is showing about 30 people registered on the website..

 

I did Rifle/Shotgun/Muzzleloader. I got there about 8am and left about 11am.

Well, off I go to the course/exam.. Wish me luck..

*yawn* It's so early...

 

:pray:

This is why they want you to hit the prime kill shot

Was that with a crossbow? O_o

Whoever goes, I would appreciate it if you would post if they are requiring you to put your SSN on the test.

 

I objected to this practice when I took the course a few months ago for three reasons:

1. They already have each person's SSN from when you register on their website, or you provide it when you get your permit at a permit station (like at Cheyenne Mountain Outfitters).

2. There is no statement on the test saying that providing the SSN is required as per a specific statute. If there is no statute requiring the SSN, there must be a statement indicting that providing your SSN is optional.

3. The course that I took had volunteers grading the test - someone's daughter and another person who was not part of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The tests were not secured in any way, like being put in a sealed envelope after grading.

 

They would not give me my card, without providign my SSN, so I ended up providing it. But, I called the division a few days later and spoke to them about what happened. They agreed that providing your SSN on the test is not required. They promised to correct the situation by sending word out to all of the course personnel. I am curious if they followed through.

Quick question.

 

I am taking the shotgun and rifle/muzzle loader test next week. If I pass, do you get your hunter's safety card right away? Or some form of documentation that you passed?