By Julienna Brooks
"The children who do fish (or hunt) in the future will do so under a growing cloud. Yet, in an increasingly de-natured world, fishing and hunting remain among the last ways that the young learn of the mystery and moral complexity of nature in a way that no videotape can convey. Yes, fishing and hunting are messy -- even morally messy -- but so is nature. No child can truly know or value the outdoors if the natural world remains under glass, seen only through lenses, screens, or computer monitors".
Louv, R. (2005). Last child in the woods: saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Above all else, children who choose to hunt should do so safely and ethically. There are many ways to instill this in a child. Hunter education is an incredibly important tool that will be discussed in great detail on this page. But in addition to the required hunter safety course, it is important for children to be surrounded by positive hunting role models. While often a family activity passed down, some may wish to begin hunting without this background or may wish to expand their skills. There are numerous summer camps and mentoring programs that provide these opportunities.
Hunting Programs
One program that has been a great success, is Kansas based program called Pass it on Outdoor Mentors.
From the website, Pass it on describes their programs:
"Matching caring adults with a passion for the outdoors with children that want to learn about the outdoors...that's what the Pass It On program is about in a nutshell. A 501(c)3 non-proift organization dedicated to giving children the chance to experience the great outdoors.
Whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching, archery, hunting, shooting sports, sailing...or just about any other traditional outdoor activity, we work to provide opportunities for children to learn about them in a safe environment from mentors willing to share their time."
What is unique about this program is its partnership with area Big Brothers Big Sister programs. They reach out to local BBBS organizations as well as local conversations organizations to create a well-rounded organization. The program promotes respect in all areas of its involvement. This is an example of great program that has the power to instill in young hunters not only hunting ethics, but also conservation ethics and a deep respect for the natural world. They promote the involvement of children in the outdoors - and a lessened focus on technology and social media.
To learn more, visit the website: http://outdoormentors.org/
To read about a similar program beginning in Colorado visit: http://www.tu.org/blog-posts/colorado-outdoor-mentors-program-kicks-off://
A more traditional method in fostering interest in the outdoors and hunting in children is through familial involvement.
Here is an article that outlines ways to get children involved in hunting all the while cultivating respect for wildlife, the outdoors and a genuine enjoyment for the activity.
http://mylandplan.org/content/how-introduce-your-kids-hunting
What I find appealing about this article is the focus on creating outdoor enthusiast. For me, a lot of what this project is about is exploring alternative ways to get children involved in the natural world. I think hunting can create that connection, but enthusiasm for nature is huge. I also really appreciate the focus on hunting often. This really takes the focus away from simply hunting as a means to kill and more so onto the process and observation of wildlife and the landscape. This is crucial for young learners!
This video from Idaho Fish & Wildlife, is an exemplary description of what youth hunter education is all about. I think video will show people what hunting means to these kids, and how hunter education goes beyond the realm of simply hunting, but more, connection with nature, wildlife, and family. This was reassuring for me because it boasts strong encouragement of ethics.
An interview with Rachel O'Conner - Coordinator of Green Mountain Conservation Camps
Rachel describes the benefits and consequences of hunting education. She highlights here the ideas discussed throughout the blog, and a specific focus on instilling ethics. I really appreciated hearing about her personal journey, especially as a vegetarian.working at a natural resources camp, with a focus on hunting. She gives a great description of the benefits of hunting for kids!
To learn more about GMCC visit their webpage here: http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/edu_camps.cfm
I have been involved in env. ed for awhile. I was council in training in natural resources camp and then a counselor in marine bio for five years. I worked as an environmental educator and interpretation specialist in California and then I became an Instructor at the GMCC for 2 years and now I'm coordinator.
Synthesis of Material
Questions for further consideration:
Louv, R. (2005). Last child in the woods: saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Above all else, children who choose to hunt should do so safely and ethically. There are many ways to instill this in a child. Hunter education is an incredibly important tool that will be discussed in great detail on this page. But in addition to the required hunter safety course, it is important for children to be surrounded by positive hunting role models. While often a family activity passed down, some may wish to begin hunting without this background or may wish to expand their skills. There are numerous summer camps and mentoring programs that provide these opportunities.
 |
| This Map demonstrates the connections and impacts of hunter education. |
Hunting Programs
One program that has been a great success, is Kansas based program called Pass it on Outdoor Mentors.
From the website, Pass it on describes their programs:
"Matching caring adults with a passion for the outdoors with children that want to learn about the outdoors...that's what the Pass It On program is about in a nutshell. A 501(c)3 non-proift organization dedicated to giving children the chance to experience the great outdoors.
Whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching, archery, hunting, shooting sports, sailing...or just about any other traditional outdoor activity, we work to provide opportunities for children to learn about them in a safe environment from mentors willing to share their time."
To learn more, visit the website: http://outdoormentors.org/
To read about a similar program beginning in Colorado visit: http://www.tu.org/blog-posts/colorado-outdoor-mentors-program-kicks-off://
 |
| http://static.wixstatic.com/media/c7ffbe_3dfa7b56836e5461b87cd0d35535bc5d .jpg_srz_659_372_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz |
A more traditional method in fostering interest in the outdoors and hunting in children is through familial involvement.
Here is an article that outlines ways to get children involved in hunting all the while cultivating respect for wildlife, the outdoors and a genuine enjoyment for the activity.
http://mylandplan.org/content/how-introduce-your-kids-hunting
What I find appealing about this article is the focus on creating outdoor enthusiast. For me, a lot of what this project is about is exploring alternative ways to get children involved in the natural world. I think hunting can create that connection, but enthusiasm for nature is huge. I also really appreciate the focus on hunting often. This really takes the focus away from simply hunting as a means to kill and more so onto the process and observation of wildlife and the landscape. This is crucial for young learners!
This video from Idaho Fish & Wildlife, is an exemplary description of what youth hunter education is all about. I think video will show people what hunting means to these kids, and how hunter education goes beyond the realm of simply hunting, but more, connection with nature, wildlife, and family. This was reassuring for me because it boasts strong encouragement of ethics.
An interview with Rachel O'Conner - Coordinator of Green Mountain Conservation Camps
Rachel describes the benefits and consequences of hunting education. She highlights here the ideas discussed throughout the blog, and a specific focus on instilling ethics. I really appreciated hearing about her personal journey, especially as a vegetarian.working at a natural resources camp, with a focus on hunting. She gives a great description of the benefits of hunting for kids!
To learn more about GMCC visit their webpage here: http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/edu_camps.cfm
What does the Vermont Fish & Wildlife camp teach and how does it incorporate hunting into its educational programs?
Our summer camp is a week long sleep away camp (9 weeks) Two types basic and advanced. In order to attend an advanced week must graduate from basic program which includes firearm education and bow-hunter education. Prior to attending, campers are required to complete a manual and workbook that is the same as the one used in hunter safety courses. At camp they go through a series of courses that teach them about what they read in the manual as well as the history of hunting. About 30% of the camp is focused on hunting, the other 60% is natural resources, wildlife bio. and outdoor recreation activities. For the advanced sessions, there is a series of live fire opportunities in the presence of a state game warden.
What led you to this job and what sparked your interesting in hunter education?
I have been involved in env. ed for awhile. I was council in training in natural resources camp and then a counselor in marine bio for five years. I worked as an environmental educator and interpretation specialist in California and then I became an Instructor at the GMCC for 2 years and now I'm coordinator.
How has this job changed the way that you view hunting?
It is a great way to connect kids and adults with the outdoors in the face of other stimulants
even if there is some sort of ethical quandary.
What is your goal with this camp and what do you hope that kids are taking away from it?
The overall goal is safety and it is the biggest stress point of what we teach. We 100% try to educate about unsafe scenarios. The final test is that all staff sit down and say ‘would you feel safe hunting with the kids in the woods’.
How do you incorporate ethics into hunter education?
Part of the testing is practical is 3-d scenarios in which campers walk through and assess the scene. They should assess the scene by asking themselves three questions:
- is it safe
- is it legal
- is it ethical?
Many kids do not know about ethics at this age. One of the scenarios in the final test is a mother bear with a cub. It is a safe shot and legal shot, but it brings up the question of ethics and allows you to see what their mindset is. A large majority do not shoot.
The instructors also put on skit where they are doing things wrong such as, drinking alcohol, shooting at endangered species, spearing turkeys, etc. to teach kids what is wrong/right or legal/ethical. Tries to show them that ethics goes beyond the law!
Do these camps attract students from non-hunting families? What is the general background of the campers?
There is a wide variety of backgrounds. I would say that the vast majority is familiar with hunting and a few come in with no experience. Not everyone comes in with a hunting background and maybe 20% don’t even care about the certification card.
How do you see hunting as a way to connect children with the outdoors?
I think it is a great way to connect them with the outdoors because it is so involved. When I first thought about hunting I thought it was just something you went out in the woods and did. But you really have to be familiar with orienteering and the landscape , topography, geography, animal habitat, animal behavior etc.. You have to be in tune with the environment. Sitting outdoors in a blind or a tree stand for 8 hours is a lot better than spending that time in front of the t.v.. It is also introducing them at a critical age (12-14) where they are still somewhat influential and become interested enough to dedicate a lot of time and energy to the process, getting them to put down laptops and go outside.
Do you often experience opposition to the hunter education aspect of your programs?
Occasionally. I haven't seen too much of it but we do see it occasionally and its not so much to do with the ethics of hunting as it is the safety of using firearms due to the recent incidents we've seen throughout America.
There has also been a recent issue with conservation plates in the state in which 25 dollars goes to conservation funds. The funds are allocated to go towards non-game species habitat, but the current commissioner wanted to pass a bill say that if the fund fills to its capacity he wanted to be able to allocate the rest of the money to go GMCC. some animal activists groups were upset by this because they thought that it went against the goal of the funds, but the main focus of our camp is habitat and resource protection, hunting is only part of it.
To learn more about the controversy, see what the Burlington Free Press had to say here.
Tracking for Kids - Tracking is a great hunting related activity, that kids will love, and something that can really stimulate their curiosity. While there are whole website and books dedicated to tracking, it is worth mentioning here as something to include in the hunter education process. To learn more about tracking, take a look at these great resources!
Tracking for Kids - Tracking is a great hunting related activity, that kids will love, and something that can really stimulate their curiosity. While there are whole website and books dedicated to tracking, it is worth mentioning here as something to include in the hunter education process. To learn more about tracking, take a look at these great resources!
- Vt Fish and Wildlife: Wildlife Tracking in Vermont
- Nature Skills
- Outdoor Action
- Wild Animal Tracks - Great for young learners!
- Wildlife Trackers
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410PeIJ%2BQ6L._AA300_.jpg
Synthesis of Material
Hunting is a challenging topic to discuss in education. Many people believe that hunting is not a safe and ethical practice for their kids to be involved in. But the bottom line is this: kids who do hunt, especially those who can openly take part in active learning, will develop strong moral and land ethics. Programs like GMCC and other mentioned above, will aid in the development of ethics in young hunters, all the while working to keep a traditional activity alive. Hunting has its fair share of ethical qualms and that is not an issue that is likely to disappear, but it also cultivates acute observation skills crucial to the budding naturalist. Within this, the argument for land conservation is strong. Game species require natural habitat, much which is threatened by development. Hunters, especially those who have had the opportunity to develop a strong ethical sense will undoubtedly work to protect this habitat and the land they have connected with.
| https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS66h2p2-OOIWjC1GNDvw9DNQD2JX7fcHd-7kGiB7YV0_l37o2g |
- How does the portrayal of hunting influence ethical considerations of budding hunters?
- What is the future of hunting for children, and how can we work to encourage safety and ethics?
- Are hunting ethics changing? What will this mean to the next generation of hunters?
No comments:
Post a Comment