The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Delaware certification.

Why Hunter Education?

The first mandated hunter education program began in New York in 1949 to reduce hunting incidents. As hunter education programs spread across the country, safety coordinators formed what is now the International Hunter Education Association to create a core curriculum, which is the basis for this course.

Hunter education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are about more than safety. They have been expanded to produce responsible, knowledgeable, and involved hunters—hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and behaving ethically. These programs give beginners a good foundation, and they provide a refresher for veteran hunters.

Ultimately, the mission of hunter education programs is to ensure the continuation of the hunting tradition.

Responsibility, Safety Skills, Knowledge, and Involvement

Hunter education strives to instill responsibility, improve skills and knowledge, and encourage the involvement of beginner and veteran hunters. Responsible, ethical behavior and personal involvement are both essential to the survival of hunting.

Responsibility

A knowledgeable and skillful student of hunting will never be a true hunter unless he or she also behaves responsibly. Responsible behavior includes courtesy, respect of others and of wildlife, and involvement. Responsible hunters do not poach or act carelessly. Responsible hunters obey hunting laws; hunt fairly; practice safety rules; and develop marksmanship skills for a quick, clean kill before shooting. How you behave and how other people see you will determine hunting’s future.

Safety Skills

Hunting-related safety skills are gained through hands-on training and practice. It is most valuable to learn these skills from an experienced hunter.

Knowledge

Knowledge is learning and understanding the basics of safe gun handling and hunting. Before being trained in the skill of firearm shooting, you should know how the firearm operates and how to handle it safely.

Involvement

Part of the process of becoming a true, responsible sportsman is becoming involved in efforts to make hunting a respected sport. That includes teaching others, working with landowners, and cooperating with game wardens. It also includes joining conservation organizations, which will help preserve habitat and promote wildlife management.

International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)

The organization’s mission is to continue the heritage of hunting worldwide by developing safe, responsible, and knowledgeable hunters. Since its inception, IHEA has endeavored to:

• Serve as the primary resource for information on hunter education.
• Promote hunter education by providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences.
• Promote hunter education by fostering cooperative efforts among government agencies, organized groups, and industry.
• Uphold the image of hunting as a legitimate tool of wildlife management and as a recreational activity throughout North America.
• Promote programs which prevent hunting incidents.
• Cultivate honesty, self-discipline, self-reliance, responsible behavior, and good citizenship among hunters.
• Strive for constant improvement in hunter education programs.
• Fully involve volunteers and other associate members in all affairs of the International Hunter Education Association.