Last month we celebrated Earth Day, but the reality is that hunters have had a deep connection to conservation and our great outdoors for generations. That conservation ethic — grounded with a code of principles called Fair Chase — helped restore America’s wildlife and wild places a century ago and sustain them to this day.
However, the future of hunting and the conservation of wildlife in North America depends on the next generation of hunters upholding these principles. For those new to hunting, spring is the best time to plan for next year’s hunting season, and the Boone and Crockett Club’s online Fair Chase and Hunting Ethics course teaches this foundation before they head to the field.
New hunters in all states need to take a hunter’s education course that provides top level information about our conservation history and teaches about hunting regulations and safety.
In addition, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project ChildSafe has an interactive Future Hunter’s Pledgemodule for parents and kids to go through together to learn and discuss firearm safety and responsible hunting.
The Fair Chase and Hunting Ethics course created by the Boone and Crockett Club adds to these core curriculums. The approximately hour-long module develops a stronger foundation of safety, conservation commitment and ethics that will enhance the individual’s hunting experience while ensuring the future of our hunting traditions.
The free course walks through the experience of two new hunters who learn about the rich tradition of Fair Chase, helping them understand responsible and ethical hunting. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a certificate of achievement and a free “Hunt Fair Chase” challenge coin to carry with them as a reminder of their commitment to ethical hunting.
“The concept of Fair Chase is just as important today as it was over a century ago,” said Tony Schoonen, chief executive officer of the Boone and Crockett Club. “Most Americans are neither pro-hunting nor anti-hunting, most are on the fence. As hunters, we are all ambassadors for our sport. When we hunt ethically, we will garner more support from the public and help ensure our hunting heritage continues for generations into the future.”
Visit learn.boone-crockett.org to take the course.
– Jodi Stemler
With a degree in wildlife, Jodi Stemler brings a foundation in ecology to her freelance writing and her work as a communications and policy consultant for national hunting conservation organizations, including the Boone and Crockett Club. She lives in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and bird dog and they love to hunt birds and big game across the West.