Hunter Education field test

spasq13 · Nov 7, 2015

Hello all,

I am scheduled to take my hunter education field and written tests this sunday. I'm not too worried about the written test but I am wondering what i should expect for the field and live shoot sections. During the field test do they demonstrate what they want to test you on and then you repeat or do they tell you what they want you to do and you have to demonstrate without direction. I'm fairly confident Ill be fine but just want to know what to expect. Thanks all.

jm1827 · Nov 7, 2015

Are you taking the test for bow or firearm? Don't worry about either. For the firearm test the field walk is really quite enjoyable and it will show you much of what is on the test. For the firearm portion the shooting is only to evaluate you safely handling the firearm, you don't have to hit anything.

Relax and enjoy it, nothing to worry about.

xXx · Nov 7, 2015

^^ X2 Its very rare anyone fails.

TwoGuns · Nov 7, 2015

Yes, they demonstrate what they want you to do. Shotgun - safe handling, safety off, point, shoot, hit some clays, if you miss, no problem. Muzzleloader - check barrel, load powder, bullet, shoot.

makosnax · Nov 7, 2015

Just be safe and consistent.

delvalhunter · Nov 7, 2015

TwoGuns said:
Yes, they demonstrate what they want you to do. Shotgun - safe handling, safety off, point, shoot, hit some clays, if you miss, no problem. Muzzleloader - check barrel, load powder, bullet, shoot.

from what I hear the new program only field tests with the shotgun. While you'll answer written exam questions for rifle and muzzleloader, there is no longer a field test using the muzzleloader...just the shotgun. I guess the instructors got tired of having to clean those smoke poles all the time!

spasq13 · Nov 7, 2015

delvalhunter said:
from what I hear the new program only field tests with the shotgun. While you'll answer written exam questions for rifle and muzzleloader, there is no longer a field test using the muzzleloader...just the shotgun. I guess the instructors got tired of having to clean those smoke poles all the time!

Thank you all for the input. And yes. The field test is just with shotgun now even though the test covers rifle, muzzleloader, and air guns as well.

SlickHunter · Nov 7, 2015

My daughter is taking the bow test next week. I'm bringing a tripod for her to use to shoot her crossbow, I believe this is allowed.

Do they have a field session for those taking the bow test? Or is it just the exam and then demonstrate 3 out 5 arrows at 20 yrd accuracy?

Been 30 years since I took the test so can't remember!

Njbowhunter81 · Nov 7, 2015

You can bring your crossbow tripod and yes they Wana see grouping in the shots I think it's 20 yrd might be closer then you take the exam

Tarhunt · Nov 7, 2015

xXx said:
^^ X2 Its very rare anyone fails.

My son's friend failed because, his bow was set at 28 pounds and could not be adjusted any higher. He bought it brand new from Dick's where the bow guy set it up and claimed to be over 35 pounds. I felt bad for him.

buckfever1974 · Nov 7, 2015

I've seen foreigners who have never even picked up a shotgun pass the test. I hunted with some of those guys around me today.

NorthJerseyOutdoorsman · Nov 7, 2015

buckfever1974 said:
I've seen foreigners who have never even picked up a shotgun pass the test. I hunted with some of those guys around me today.

You must have been at the same test I was at. Did he keep waving the shotgun in front of the instructors face?

shootemandmountem · Nov 7, 2015

delvalhunter said:
from what I hear the new program only field tests with the shotgun. While you'll answer written exam questions for rifle and muzzleloader, there is no longer a field test using the muzzleloader...just the shotgun. I guess the instructors got tired of having to clean those smoke poles all the time!

This is true, I took my nephew for shotgun/modern rifle...no shooting the muzzle loader just shotgun. Just do as you normally would....be safe...doesn't matter if you break the clays. Good luck!

BenedictGomez · Nov 8, 2015

delvalhunter said:
there is no longer a field test using the muzzleloader

That's a real shame, and I'm sorry to hear that.

It's a declining art to begin with, and for many, the hunter course is their first experience with a muzzy. Without this requirement, they may never pick one up.

shootemandmountem · Nov 8, 2015

BenedictGomez said:
That's a real shame, and I'm sorry to hear that.

It's a declining art to begin with, and for many, the hunter course is their first experience with a muzzy. Without this requirement, they may never pick one up.

They do go over everything except live fire. We were there for a half hour for muzzle loader verbal. I agree, should live fire as well.

spasq13 · Nov 9, 2015

Thanks again for all the input. Passed with no problem. understanding and practicing safety was the key. Also, thanks to all who said to get there early. I got there at 7:15 for 8:00 start and was one of the first to do live shoot which got me out of there within 3 hours. I finished up with the written exam and there were still a lot of people waiting to do the live shoot and still had to take the test.

lady bird · Nov 9, 2015

Congrats!!!!!

teddrick · Nov 9, 2015

Yes, Congratulations and have fun in the field.:fudd:

Hunter Education field test

spasq13

jm1827

xXx

TwoGuns

makosnax

delvalhunter

spasq13

SlickHunter

Njbowhunter81

Tarhunt

buckfever1974

NorthJerseyOutdoorsman

shootemandmountem

BenedictGomez

shootemandmountem

spasq13

lady bird

teddrick

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