Sooo.... About this Hunter Education workbook...

[Ace08066 2]

Hey fellers.  I'm all for safety and learning by the numbers...  But some of the questions in the end area of this workbook are just silly.  

 

One asks me the seven steps to loading a shotgun...  Doesn't specify break-action, lever, pump...  I mean even the most complex of rifles doesn't have seven steps to loading...

 

I'm signed up to take the course at the Quinton site next Wednesday the 27th, so I'm trying to get my ducks in a row before I go...  Basically, my question to you experienced hunters is: Is this workbook something they're going to scrutinize and "grade" to decide if I pass/fail, or is it just something I have to have to fill out and forget?

 

Because even after re-watching the grueling 24 minute video on Shotguns I have yet to imagine how someone could fathom there are seven steps to loading a firearm...  Let alone some of the other questions at the end of this thing.  I mean this is made for someone who is going in with absolutely no clue, never touched a gun in their life.... right?

[Krdshrk 3,877]

My recommendation to you:  Take the online course for $25 ($20 if you pre-pay).  You have to sit through some more videos but they're less dry than the NJ DFW Videos.  You also don't have to fill in the workbook.

[jm1827 284]

When I went they skimmed through the workbook. they didn't grade it or anything.  But I will say, some of the test answers were right out of the workbook.

[liquidskin 3]

I think you also get to skip the field walk if you take the online course.

[jm1827 284]

I think you also get to skip the field walk if you take the online course.

Don't know if this is the case or not, but I would recommend taking the field walk.  IMHO it was both informative and entertaining, and it also provided answers to many of the test questions.

[leadunderpressure 52]

The field walk showed me why you have to take a safety class to hunt. A full third of my class wanted to shoot a deer with an orange safety vest directly next to it.

 

Common sense isn't.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

One asks me the seven steps to loading a shotgun...  

 

 

Did you figure out the answer to this?  I've been pondering it, and all I can come up with (assuming pump or SA) is:

 

1) Be sure the safety is on.

2) Open the action.

3) Drop a round in.

4) Close the action

5) Load rounds into the mag tube.

6) ?

7) ?

[OfcrFek 21]

Even if you do the course online, you still have to do the field walk. At least people in my class at R14 on 5/17 did... but they got to be in the first group to do the field walk so they could get out of there early.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Did you figure out the answer to this?  I've been pondering it, and all I can come up with (assuming pump or SA) is:

 

1) Be sure the safety is on.

2) Open the action.

3) Drop a round in.

4) Close the action

5) Load rounds into the mag tube.

6) ?

7) ?

 

It's in the study guide.

• Check to be sure that the firearm is unloaded.

• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

• Open the action.

• Choose the proper shotgun shell for the firearm.

• Place the shotgun shell into the action.

• Load the magazine with the proper size ammunition if applicable.

• Close the action.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/hunted/chapter_7.pdf

[Ace08066 2]

It's in the study guide.

• Check to be sure that the firearm is unloaded.

• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

• Open the action.

• Choose the proper shotgun shell for the firearm.

• Place the shotgun shell into the action.

• Load the magazine with the proper size ammunition if applicable.

• Close the action.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/hunted/chapter_7.pdf

 

Gah... This is the first I'm hearing of a study guide...  lol Honestly this is pathetic.  Another failed attempt at something by New Jersey.  I mean, "Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction" is a "step" to loading?  I may just be part of a select few, but isn't keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction pretty much just part of common sense handling of a firearm?  "Choose the proper shotgun shell for the firearm"?!  Don't you do that when you're BUYING the ammo?  

 

My god this state is full of idiots... Which is probably why this course is what it is.  Made for idiots, by idiots.  

 

I'm just glad this workbook isn't graded...  Thank GOD they actually test you on real-life loading, firing and accuracy as well as real-life field application of the overly dumbed down crap I've been forced to watch unfold before my eyes.

 

I mean, the one video... Who in the world would use their loaded firearm as a walking stick to cross a fence...  I mean at some point someone had to blow their head off, otherwise they wouldn't feel the need to depict such a silly action... right?  lol

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Gah... This is the first I'm hearing of a study guide...  lol 

 

It's right on the website..

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/hunted.htm

Scroll down to under "Materials, Field Sessions and Exams" 

[DeerSlayer 241]

Did you figure out the answer to this? I've been pondering it, and all I can come up with (assuming pump or SA) is:

 

1) Be sure the safety is on.

2) Open the action.

3) Drop a round in.

4) Close the action

5) Load rounds into the mag tube.

6) ?

7) ?

8: know your target and beyond.....

[DeerSlayer 241]

Gah... This is the first I'm hearing of a study guide... lol Honestly this is pathetic. Another failed attempt at something by New Jersey. I mean, "Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction" is a "step" to loading? I may just be part of a select few, but isn't keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction pretty much just part of common sense handling of a firearm? "Choose the proper shotgun shell for the firearm"?! Don't you do that when you're BUYING the ammo?

 

My god this state is full of idiots... Which is probably why this course is what it is. Made for idiots, by idiots.

 

I'm just glad this workbook isn't graded... Thank GOD they actually test you on real-life loading, firing and accuracy as well as real-life field application of the overly dumbed down crap I've been forced to watch unfold before my eyes.

 

I mean, the one video... Who in the world would use their loaded firearm as a walking stick to cross a fence... I mean at some point someone had to blow their head off, otherwise they wouldn't feel the need to depict such a silly action... right? lol

Keep in mind that 10 year old kids also take this test. Also keep in mind how few hunting accidents we hear about in NJ involving firearms. Most are mechanical injury from falling out of tree stands, or twisting an ankle hiking through the woods in the dark. Their program definitely works, and it's designed for kids as well as complacent adults.... most of us had dad's to teach us this stuff at a young age, some didn't. Many people taking this test have never handled a firearm ever, they need to be told at least once during the test what not to do. And having been a licensed hunter since 1987 I've actually witnessed people I thought knew better doing really stupid shit with shotguns. Climbing over an obstacle like a dead blow with a loaded gun in hand is one such example that comes to mind.

 

[Ace08066 2]

Keep in mind that 10 year old kids also take this test. Also keep in mind how few hunting accidents we hear about in NJ involving firearms. Most are mechanical injury from falling out of tree stands, or twisting an ankle hiking through the woods in the dark. Their program definitely works, and it's designed for kids as well as complacent adults....

 

I suppose I am being a bit complacent...  I don't mean to, I just find 80% of the material they cover in these videos to be either matters of common sense or things that should really be well known before even considering a hunting license...  I mean proper handling and usage of firearms is something in its self.  If someone doesn't know how to safely load, hold and fire a firearm, they shouldn't be seeking a firearm hunting permit...  They should be seeking range training.  I think the biggest point is if someone is in the process of learning how to use a firearm, they shouldn't be learning from a 24 minute video made in 1990...  

 

Maybe I'm just disappointed...  I mean I was expecting to learn all about field dressing, different types of game, etc... You know, actually learn about hunting... Instead it was 2 hours worth of videos on overly dumbed-down firearm safety and politics.

[DeerSlayer 241]

I suppose I am being a bit complacent... I don't mean to, I just find 80% of the material they cover in these videos to be either matters of common sense or things that should really be well known before even considering a hunting license... I mean proper handling and usage of firearms is something in its self. If someone doesn't know how to safely load, hold and fire a firearm, they shouldn't be seeking a firearm hunting permit... They should be seeking range training. I think the biggest point is if someone is in the process of learning how to use a firearm, they shouldn't be learning from a 24 minute video made in 1990...

 

Maybe I'm just disappointed... I mean I was expecting to learn all about field dressing, different types of game, etc... You know, actually learn about hunting... Instead it was 2 hours worth of videos on overly dumbed-down firearm safety and politics.

They teach you how to field dress during the walk through. Or next time I pierce a heart with an arrow this fall I will gladly allow you to come and field dress it for me. Lol... I'll teach you how to do it quickly and efficient. It's something you actually have to do first hand to really get it. I've gutted well over 100 deer in my hunting career. I'm pretty good at it. I actually did it with a sharp rock once when I forgot my knife in the truck.

 

I will say it's the thing I least look forward to when I hunt. I've actually passed up shooting deer that were legal because I just didn't feel like gutting one at that moment... it's pretty gross, and if you make a mistake you're going to regret it trust me.

 

[Ace08066 2]

They teach you how to field dress during the walk through. Or next time I pierce a heart with an arrow this fall I will gladly allow you to come and field dress it for me. Lol... I'll teach you how to do it quickly and efficient. It's something you actually have to do first hand to really get it. I've gutted well over 100 deer in my hunting career. I'm pretty good at it. I actually did it with a sharp rock once when I forgot my knife in the truck. I will say it's the thing I least look forward to when I hunt. I've actually passed up shooting deer that were legal because I just didn't feel like gutting one at that moment... it's pretty gross, and if you make a mistake you're going to regret it trust me.

 

Hey man, if that was an invitation count me in! lol, I've been looking for someone experienced that would join me on my first hunt.  At the moment I was planning on going for varmint like squirrels and groundhogs simply to "start small" since I don't know anyone who is willing to teach me field dressing, skinning, butchering, etc.  I've watched probably 20 hours worth of Youtube videos on field dressing various game, but believe me I understand 100% it's going to be completely different when I actually get into it.  

 

I've wanted to hunt since I was a kid, but although my dad taught me how to shoot he wasn't into hunting at all.  I have a few friends that claim to be "hunters", but they've known I've wanted to get into it for years and I've never gotten an invite.  Maybe they just don't want a new guy coming along... lol  either way I'm at the point now I'm just going to go for it.  I was just disappointed that the "hunter education" videos were 90% about firearms safety and politics and only a 6 minute video on field dressing and actual hunting.

[DeerSlayer 241]

I will take you for deer when your ready. I hunt private property in Mendham Twp. It's a farm and I have hurds on the property to harvest. I can bring a guest. I've got a few stands set up. The only hitch is its archery only. I haven't gun hunted for deer in a few years myself. Kinda sounds crazy coming from a firearms enthusiast I know. But I just really prefer archery anyway. Small game and waterfowl I still take the gun though. Take your bow test at the same time and you're welcome to join me.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

I will take you for deer when your ready. I hunt private property in Mendham Twp. It's a farm and I have hurds on the property to harvest. I can bring a guest. I've got a few stands set up. The only hitch is its archery only. I haven't gun hunted for deer in a few years myself. Kinda sounds crazy coming from a firearms enthusiast I know. But I just really prefer archery anyway. Small game and waterfowl I still take the gun though. Take your bow test at the same time and you're welcome to join me.

 

I might take you up on that - I will be looking for a place to hunt during the season... and I have a Crossbow and my archery permit

[Ace08066 2]

I will take you for deer when your ready. I hunt private property in Mendham Twp. It's a farm and I have hurds on the property to harvest. I can bring a guest. I've got a few stands set up. The only hitch is its archery only. I haven't gun hunted for deer in a few years myself. Kinda sounds crazy coming from a firearms enthusiast I know. But I just really prefer archery anyway. Small game and waterfowl I still take the gun though. Take your bow test at the same time and you're welcome to join me.

 

I mean I don't expect anything for free, so I'll pay you for i guess a hunting lesson to help with your costs of using the property?  And I plan to get both tests done. I'm registered to do it in Quinton next Wednsday the 27th at 6pm.  Bow and firearm the same day.  I have a *decent* bow.  Thunderbolt at 55lb draw.  I can hit a 6" target at 50 yards with it - probably farther but I never tried.  No range long enough to try farther.  I wanted it at 80 lb draw but the guy I bought it from said they don't make the cam pins for it anymore so it's basically stuck at 55...

 

For my first outing, what would you reccomend I go for?  The seasons for various game listed on the NJ website was a little confusing.  I currently only have a 5.56 AR-15 and the bow with a set of 6 fied tips and 6 broadheads.  I'm more than confident of my marksmanship capabilities with both weapons.  If all goes well I'll have my license next week.    

[DeerSlayer 241]

I mean I don't expect anything for free, so I'll pay you for i guess a hunting lesson to help with your costs of using the property? And I plan to get both tests done. I'm registered to do it in Quinton next Wednsday the 27th at 6pm. Bow and firearm the same day. I have a *decent* bow. Thunderbolt at 55lb draw. I can hit a 6" target at 50 yards with it - probably farther but I never tried. No range long enough to try farther. I wanted it at 80 lb draw but the guy I bought it from said they don't make the cam pins for it anymore so it's basically stuck at 55...

 

For my first outing, what would you reccomend I go for? The seasons for various game listed on the NJ website was a little confusing. I currently only have a 5.56 AR-15 and the bow with a set of 6 fied tips and 6 broadheads. I'm more than confident of my marksmanship capabilities with both weapons. If all goes well I'll have my license next week.

I wouldn't take money from anyone to hunt with me. I don't pay to use the property, except for posted signs once a year. And bait in my feeder, and I'm doing that if you come or not. I work on the farmers buildings and property from time to time in return. I'm a plumber, everyone needs me sooner or later lol.

 

Well with a bow you can hunt deer & Turkey. Some guys do small game with a bow but that's not for beginners for sure. in Jersey a shotgun is really a must for hunting. Coyote, fox, and ground hog are the only animals you can go after with your AR legally. I recommend you pick up a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870. Then you can go rabbit, squirrel, Pheshant, turkey, crow, waterfowl, and just about anything else legal to hunt here. I have an arsenal of shotguns if you need one to hunt with for the day. But you have some time before anything opens up, groundhog is open now and for most of the summer but that's about it till fall. Turkey is just ending now. Maybe crow is open as well but I'd have to look it up. I have all the gear to crow hunt, but it's been a few years since I went out for them. Fun birds to go after, they're smart as F#*K, it's a challenge.

 

For your first hunt I really recommend small game, squirrel opens first in September, rabbit, and pheshant a bit after that. archery deer begins the second week in September as well.

 

[DeerSlayer 241]

I might take you up on that - I will be looking for a place to hunt during the season... and I have a Crossbow and my archery permit

Yeah the offer is still good from last season, just say when.