HUNTER EDUCATION

---

Hunter education is designed to promote hunter awareness, knowledge and skills so that we may work together and continue our proud hunting tradition.  Through information about hunting issues, classes, activities and organizations, these materials will provide you with a convenient resource we hope will meet your hunting needs.

When the NRA began the Hunter Safety Training Program in 1948, Paul Bunyan was impressed and in 1952 conducted the first safety training program in Washington State, as recognized by the NRA.  During the next several years, Paul Bunyan worked with the Washington State Sports Council and the State Game Department, pressing for legislation making safety training mandatory for juveniles applying for first licenses to hunt.  Legislation was passed in 1957 and our Club was greatly instrumental in starting the program and in the training of both juveniles and adults who wanted to instruct.  Today the Hunters Education Program supports the efforts of the Washington State Department of Fish and  Wildlife efforts to promote safe and ethical hunting. 

In addition to the courses listed on our Calendar we support the NRA International Youth Hunters Education Challenge with an annual designed to introduce different forms of hunting and safe handling of firearms.  Every year our team of Hunter Education Instructors escort our youth to national competitions to promote the skills learned through this program.