Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Oregon Hunter
Education
Program
Purpose of Hunter Education
• To promote responsible, ethical hunter conduct, there by improving
the sportsman's public image.
• To emphasize the importance of wildlife management, laws, and
regulations.
• To learn safe handling of hunting equipment and reduce hunting
causalities.
State Law
No person younger than 18 years of age shall
hunt wildlife, except on his own land or land
owned by his parent or legal guardian, unless he
has in his possession a certificate, issued by the
Department or by an agency of another state,
stating that the person has satisfactorily
completed a course prescribed or approved by
the department in the safe handling of lawful
hunting equipment.
The Oregon Hunter Education Course
The Hunter Education Course is designed to teach
young sportsmen to be ethical, responsible, and
safe hunters. Parents are urged to attend and take
the course with their son or daughter. A minimum of
twelve hours instruction is required; however, some
instructors may teach more.
There is no fee for the course of instruction;
however, an instructor may charge not more than
$10 to defray the actual cost of supplies such as
ammunition. Instruction includes the following.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Hunter Ethics and Responsibility: Students learn about the growing
sentiment against hunters and hunting. They study ways to improve the
image of the sportsman and improve sportsman and improve
sportsman-landowner relationships.
Wildlife Management: Students learn the basic principles by which all
wildlife is managed. The hunter's role in wildlife management is discussed
as well as the purpose of wildlife laws and regulations.
Legal Hunting Equipment: Basic instruction is given in the legal devices
for taking game, actions ammunition, ballistics, parts, and nomenclature.
Safe Hunting: A student learns the proper way to carry, handle and care
for a firearm. Archery and muzzle loading safety are also cov