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The Calhoun
County Gazette of Calhoun County Alabama presents local news,
sports, and features of interest about the area. It is dedicated
to the people of Calhoun County and to others who would like to
know more about us and the great opportunities for travel, fun,
and business in our region. |
Feature
Story
Hunter Safety
Education in Calhoun County, Alabama
Local volunteers teach hunting and
firearms safety locally.
By Norman Morrison
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| Hunter Safety in
Calhoun County Alabama
Seems
like Conner Crumley of Oxford, Alabama is always hanging
around teaching hunting
safety in Calhoun County and surrounding areas. He's been at it
since the early 80's and had taught the state course to countless
kids and adults alike.
Early on, the hunter course given by the Alabama
Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries officials and
volunteers was all voluntary. Since 1991 it is mandatory that
anyone born on or after August 1, 1977 who wishes to get a hunting
license must take the course.
Crumley is a volunteer instructor. In most states which
have this program (49), the bulk of the teachers are volunteers.
To become a member of this elite teaching corps you must
successfully complete the regular hunting safety course plus teach
two classes...and then pass the state instructor certification
test. It's not hard, but it's thorough. Instructors are also
background checked.
Traditionally, Hunter Safety courses have been
the "traditional" 10 hour variety which usually take 4 evenings to
complete and are taught by the volunteers or Conservation
Enforcement Officers. Recently, Alabama introduced the CD course
in which students use a CD Rom on their computer to study, and
then complete a "Field Day", to demonstrate that they have learned
their lessons. |
Conner Crumley, Hunter Safety Instructor,
demonstrates the tree stand safety harness.ner
Crumley de |
Regardless of the method used, the student is taught the basics of
firearm and hunting safety, game care, survival, and first aid,
and above all safe firearm handling. Students range in age from
10, to can't hardly any more. No matter the age, the material is
so interesting and well thought out, that everyone stands to learn
new things. There is never a boring evening at a traditional
hunter safety education class.
Volunteer instructors have always been central to the
success of the program. From its inception, the Alabama Hunter
Education program has relied on local people with the ability,
desire, and drive to teach. Though Enforcement officers are taking
a larger role these days, especially with the labor intensive
Field Days, the Volunteer Instructors still play a large part. The
Department actively encourages responsible adults to come forward
and offer service in this important activity. Especially since the
program became mandatory in 1991, hunting accidents have taken a
nosedive in Alabama. Hunter Safety Education works!
Would you like to become
involved with the Alabama Hunting Safety Education Program?
Contact Conner Crumley for details about the local
organization:
Conner Crumley, Oxford 256-831-0802 or for email:
HunterEducation
To read more about the program:
http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education/
or visit the Alabama Hunter Education Association website...
http://www.huntereducation.net/
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