Hunter Education Available On-Line and Through Home Study
NATURAL RESOURCES--Hunter Education Available On-Line and Through Home Study
It is now easier for Nova Scotians to access the Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course. Anyone over the age of 18 can choose one of two new options to complete the course: on-line or through home study.
"These two new alternatives support government’s commitment to improve client access to government services," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "Many people are familiar with the concept of correspondence courses and the home study program provides that option, and we’re also taking advantage of modern technology to improve access to this very important, life-saving course."
In Nova Scotia, all first-time hunters must complete mandatory training in order to purchase a Nova Scotia hunting licence. The training includes completing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and then the Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course. Completion of both courses entitles a new hunter to a Firearms Hunting Certificate, which is required for purchase of a hunting licence.
The on-line and home study versions of the Nova Scotia Hunter Education course provide individuals with an opportunity to complete the training requirements at their own pace and in the comfort of their own homes. With the home study option, once you have applied for the course, the hunter education manual and quizzes are mailed directly to your home. Upon completing the exercises, you can contact a certified instructor examiner to write a final exam.
The on-line version works in a similar way. Upon applying, you would follow the manual on-line or download it to your computer. You can then print the quizzes and complete them in paper form. Upon completing the quizzes, you can contact a certified instructor examiner to write the final exam. The hunter education manual can be accessed at www.atlantichuntered.ca .
Those who choose to complete the course by either of these options will be required to meet the same high standard expected of those who complete the course through regular classroom instruction. The same test will be used for on-line, home study and classroom participants. The pass mark is 80 per cent.
Application forms for both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course are available from all Natural Resources offices, Department of Justice offices, Nova Scotia Community College Continuing Education Division, Access Nova Scotia Centres, all public libraries and on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/hunt/hunting.htm .
Course fees are $50 for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and $20 for the Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course and can be paid by cheque, money order, Visa or MasterCard.
The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is a 12- to 15- hour course offered regularly through the 14 campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College. The Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course is a seven-hour course delivered by volunteer wildlife groups and search and rescue organizations on behalf of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
“Since training courses for new hunters became mandatory in Nova Scotia 11 years ago, the number of personal injuries and fatalities has dropped by 50 per cent,” said Mr. Fage. “This is a record we are very proud of.