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Q:
How many of you think that Outdoor Education should be required in school and what should be taught? I'm for the basics:
Habitat Improvement,
Wildlife Identification, Conservation,
Hunter Education,Fire Arms Safety,Archery,Land Nav/Map Reading,Signaling/Survival
Question by 86Ram. Uploaded on October 19, 2009
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Answers (38)
I forgot Wildlife management and Marmsmanship
I think that's a great idea. I know there would be a lot of flack from the anti hunters and anti gun people, so I would implement the firearms and hunter safety down the road.
I'm in favor of all the stuff you have plus add some outdoor living skills and survivor skills. Here at Northern Michigan University, we have several of these classes but I think they should teach them in high school, middle school, and even elementary.
Got my vote.
Not only that but it would probably save lives. Think of all the kids and adults that die because they get lost in the woods and have no idea what to do, or fall off a boat and can't swim.
While we never did hunter/firearms education, I took OE here in ontario in grade 11 ( few years ago) and it was awesome. A local farmer/landowner was generous enough to lend us the use of their land, and a small cabin they have in the woods in their property. that was our classroom from february-june, -25 degree weather or not..
It was THE best experience I have had in any elementary/high school by far.
Big thanks to any teachers/parents/admin who support these programs!
I think it should be taught. We had it as an elective class and it was one of the best experiences in all of HS for me.
I dont think it should be a required class. It should remain an option. As much as I love the outdoors other people might not feel the same and forcing it on them just dosent seem right. Imagine if a class like home economics were to be required, it would be usefull for people but not everyone would enjoy it. The outdoors in my opinion shouldnt be forced on people no mater how much i enjoy it, i would want somethin forced on me that i dont like.
If I could find a school that would be willing to implement that kind of curriculum, I would go back to teaching in a heartbeat!
Great thoughts~
It would be nice, but I don't think the "anti's" would allow it .
When I took my Hunter Safety class it was through the High School "gym" class. Voley-Ball(?) or that.
Guess what most of the class wanted to take ?, even the girls ! (lol)
I wouldlike that...great idea...i would trade gym class for something like that...any class i would trade for that..
whatta awesome job it woud be to teach young people how to hunt, fish and enjoy the great outdoors.sign me up.
I agree with all of you.
I think that it should be an elective like shop class, small engines etc. I think it would cut down on Outdoor incidents/casualties too.
I think that it would also have a strong backing from Outdoor oriented companies, parents that want to teach their kids but are working to feed and cloth them, single parents in the same boat or that want to give their kids a role model. So not too worried bout anti's though they're about as annoying as havin fleas.
Thank y'all for your answers please continue to provide feedback if you wish.
Good idea... it would sure be nice but they seem to be having a little trouble with teaching readin' writin' and rithmetic down here in Georgia. I wonder if there is a way to get some extra carricular activity going with this kind of education? It would sure be nice and I have no doubt that a lot of people would be interested.
Actually Dakotaman yes: Biology, Math, Writing, Reading and hand eye coordination.
Example: Biology Habitat, Wildlife anatomy and identification. First Aid, Water purification etc
Math: Map scales/distance, Distance, Arrow Flight, trajectory, Habitat size and number of wildlife sighted.
Reading: Gotta read the instructions on equipment before use. Hunters Ed, Survival
Writing: Tests, Wildlife journals,
I think that covers a little bit of each item.
I think that Trauma Focussed Training should also be taught as well as First Aid.
I hate to be a pesimist, but I doubt you will get the backing of the school board for about half of those activities (hunter education, firearms safety, and archery) due to insurance and liability issues. If you really want to go through with this, here is a list of subjects that are a little more "school board" friendly:
-Plant identification
-Wildlife identification (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects)
-Basic Map & Compass
-Wilderness survival
-Wildlife conservation
-Wilderness first aid
I wouldn't mess around with habitat improvement as a subject...it is WAY more complex than you think. I love your idea and definitely think that outdoor education should be a requirement for every school, not just an elective. It seems to me like the kids coming out of schools these days are book smart, but they completely lack common sense, and most can't even identify the most common species of plants and fauna in their own back yards. +1000 for you if that is at all possible!
The town in Va I live in does allow an Archery course. There is a story I read on Mossey oak.com about West Virginia schools offering something like this discussion thread in their schools. I would like to approach my state legislaters to push for a measure to be introduced into our schools as well in partnership with outdoor organizations and DGIF.
I agree bioguy. Habitat improvement is complex however if you introduce it you may get another bioguy or biogirl and continue a legacey set forth by our forfathers and us......
no seed ever grows unless it's planted and given a chance.
That's awesome that they allow an archery course. I remember shooting bows in gym class when I was in school, but it was only a one-time-per-year type of deal.
What I was getting at with habitat improvement is that habitat improvement for some species sometimes means habitat destruction for others. Keeping that in mind, people with a hunting mind-set tend to only think of game species, like deer and turkeys, when it comes to "habitat improvement" projects. But I suppose there are some really easy habitat improvement projects that would be great for species diversity if you can get the materials donated. Projects such as building various types of bird houses and feeders, planting a small food plot, and maybe errecting a small deer exclosure or two would be within reason, and there are a lot of really neat science projects that can come out of those. Now that I've thought about it a little bit, I guess the more important issue to address with the habitat improvement part would be cost of materials. I hope you succeed in making this thought a reality!
great idea,but it will not fly with all the liberals in the world now.
I tend to think this idea will fly as long as firearms are avoided. Although strict gun control is a premise of liberalism, in this situation it would be more of a liability and insurance issue than a specific political party preventing an education opportunity.
Could you imagine the reprocussions if a school was teaching kids about firearms and then had a school shooting? Regardless of the material that was being taught, the press would undoubtedly concentrate on the fact that a firearms course was offered and there was a school shooting. There would be lawsuits out the wazoo, and at that point, political parties would definitely be at each other's throats.
I know of some schools that have competitive rifle and trap shooting teams, which is fantastic! However, those programs are designed for kids who have a great respect for firearms, an appreciation for outdoor sports, and a successful academic background.
Bioguy Good answers and I agree.
However alot of schools with JROTC, 4-H, Archery and Marksmanship Teams allow weapons training. I agree background checks are in order and there is a level of maturity that should be taken into consideration.
It shouldn't be the main focus either.. Education is the main focus.
Thank you because your insight is actually well recieved and good info.
rocky d bashaw sorry but about all the liberals I know are the hunters and outdoors types and the conservatives are the rich city people that make fun of our country roots but that is also people between the ages of 20 and 30 guess the world is changing.
Here is the article I found on Mossyoak.com that got me interrested in this idea:
West VA: Hunting Classes in Schools! April 02, 2008
Legislation is on its way to the governor that will make West Virginia the first state in the U.S. to offer a hunting and firearms safety education course for students in grades 6 through 12.
Supporters of the bill said they hoped the measure would help stem the decline in the growth of hunting in The Mountain State by making the classes more accessible to potential hunters. In the past decade, West Virginia has seen a marked drop in the number of deer-hunting licenses, and, like many states, is looking for ways to reverse the loss of license revenue.
While stopping short of mandating the course to be taught in all state schools, the legislation provides funding for classes in all schools where at least 20 students express interest.
Though he has not committed to signing the bill into law, Gov. Joe Manchin voiced his support of changes made in the legislation prior to its passage.
Billy Wayne Bailey (D-Wyoming County), the bill’s original author, said the state has a responsibility to protect cultural traditions like hunting.
“It’s hard to find too many 55-year-olds that are still playing basketball or football, but a lot of people well into their 80s enjoy hunting,” Baily said. “For us,” he added, “this is a pastime we want to preserve.”
I would love to see this in Virginia. I think it with all of the shared ideas here would make an outstanding program.
Most definitely. Great article!
I've been working on a small project myself trying to get people in favor of an increased state sales tax that will cause everyone, not just sportsmen, to contribute to wildlife conservation, acquisition and protection of wildlife habitat, and clean water and air projects. The framework for the law already exists...Minnesota pioneered the idea and was the first state to pass a bill like this. I would like to see it happen in several other states as well. Check it out if you would like:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/features/amendment.html
it seems like a minimal increase... liveable. If I knew that 100% of the money would be set aside and used for the cause it was meant to and not be subdivided by special interrest groups to build well in africa, fund welfare etc. I wouldn't have a problem with it.
I do not see a reason to increase taxes on Outdoor related items and guns because they're pretty heavily taxed and proceeds already go to outdoor related activities and in other projects.
Licenses are supposed to be a non taxed item.
Anyways I think it's a good idea but the politicians would see it as a pocket liner.
I hear ya...based on the question I asked on the answers section, it doesn't seem like it will be well received. Some good points have been made, and people are coming from angles that I didn't expect, which is great for constructive criticism and building a more stable policy. Something needs to be done soon. We're losing the babyboom generation of hunters, kids have too many other distractions to get into hunting, and wildlife agencies are understaffed, underfunded, and lack the necessary resources they need to do their jobs. If that's the situation now...what is it going to be like 20 years from now? If anyone has a better idea, I'm all ears, because something needs to be done, and it needs to be done soon.
Bioguy... Yeah I read those posts too. You do not want the Antis havin say in our activities.
My kid is 6 and is very interrested in hunting and fishing. It starts at home. It starts with education. That's why I wanted feedback about my question as you did yours.
It's true kids have alot goin on that we didn't when we were growin up. Parents are workin more and have less time to hunt and pass on the heritage. So it takes mentors to do it.
We do need to do more to ensure our heritage lives on and to educate and void the growing anti sentiment and loss of outdoor enthusiast.
They are a big influence in our schools, tv, and i personally don't want my kid misguided by them and I'm tired of the biased media who won't give credit where credit is due or promote the outdoors.
Bioguy your idea is commendable but it needs safeguards to protect its true intent and ensure it is used towards that intent. But I don't think anyone right now is ready for it especially with the current administration and their greed, proposed tax hikes and generous spending of tax payer money.
There are alot of disgruntled people over that and the fact the current administation wants to cram stuff we don't want down our throats
Bioguy may I make a suggestion If you want to ensure the money goes towards what you're talking about:
Have you thought about incentives, grants, donations to a superfund that is dedicated entirely to and geared towards your idea. And I would approach each state individually and get their feedback. It alleviates taxes and reduces the anti foot print, but allows donations without lining pockets or giving antis a way of saying I pay taxes so I have the right to protest these activities
I contacted state legislates on the subject awaitin word
Awesome. I wrote the governor of NY, but never received an answer. I am kind of biding my time to get into a position where I have a littler more pull politically. A wildlife biologist at the bottom of the chain doesn't really strike the attention of political officials. Until then, getting some ideas and feedback, and making people aware of the future dilemma are my top priorities.
Great idea by the way...I just don't know if the general public would get on board. Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiests comprise a really small portion of the population and they already contribute as much as they possibly can. Nearly everyone enjoys being outside, seeing wildlife, breathing fresh air, drinking clean water, and looking at beautiful scenery. We really need something that the general public can agree to and support financially.
I hope you hear back soon from the state legislatures. Take care!
BioGuy: I got some feedback from one legislators aid. She is forwarding it to the DGIF .. can't totally remember the full name but it's goin up for their review.
That's awesome!
I thought so when I read it today. It's amazing what you can do just by asking the right questions backed with facts/ ideas
it also helps if the person you contact has an open mind.
Post an Answer
I'm in favor of all the stuff you have plus add some outdoor living skills and survivor skills. Here at Northern Michigan University, we have several of these classes but I think they should teach them in high school, middle school, and even elementary.
I forgot Wildlife management and Marmsmanship
Not only that but it would probably save lives. Think of all the kids and adults that die because they get lost in the woods and have no idea what to do, or fall off a boat and can't swim.
While we never did hunter/firearms education, I took OE here in ontario in grade 11 ( few years ago) and it was awesome. A local farmer/landowner was generous enough to lend us the use of their land, and a small cabin they have in the woods in their property. that was our classroom from february-june, -25 degree weather or not..
It was THE best experience I have had in any elementary/high school by far.
Big thanks to any teachers/parents/admin who support these programs!
I dont think it should be a required class. It should remain an option. As much as I love the outdoors other people might not feel the same and forcing it on them just dosent seem right. Imagine if a class like home economics were to be required, it would be usefull for people but not everyone would enjoy it. The outdoors in my opinion shouldnt be forced on people no mater how much i enjoy it, i would want somethin forced on me that i dont like.
whatta awesome job it woud be to teach young people how to hunt, fish and enjoy the great outdoors.sign me up.
I think that's a great idea. I know there would be a lot of flack from the anti hunters and anti gun people, so I would implement the firearms and hunter safety down the road.
Got my vote.
I think it should be taught. We had it as an elective class and it was one of the best experiences in all of HS for me.
If I could find a school that would be willing to implement that kind of curriculum, I would go back to teaching in a heartbeat!
Great thoughts~
It would be nice, but I don't think the "anti's" would allow it .
When I took my Hunter Safety class it was through the High School "gym" class. Voley-Ball(?) or that.
Guess what most of the class wanted to take ?, even the girls ! (lol)
Good idea... it would sure be nice but they seem to be having a little trouble with teaching readin' writin' and rithmetic down here in Georgia. I wonder if there is a way to get some extra carricular activity going with this kind of education? It would sure be nice and I have no doubt that a lot of people would be interested.
Actually Dakotaman yes: Biology, Math, Writing, Reading and hand eye coordination.
Example: Biology Habitat, Wildlife anatomy and identification. First Aid, Water purification etc
Math: Map scales/distance, Distance, Arrow Flight, trajectory, Habitat size and number of wildlife sighted.
Reading: Gotta read the instructions on equipment before use. Hunters Ed, Survival
Writing: Tests, Wildlife journals,
I think that covers a little bit of each item.
I hate to be a pesimist, but I doubt you will get the backing of the school board for about half of those activities (hunter education, firearms safety, and archery) due to insurance and liability issues. If you really want to go through with this, here is a list of subjects that are a little more "school board" friendly:
-Plant identification
-Wildlife identification (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects)
-Basic Map & Compass
-Wilderness survival
-Wildlife conservation
-Wilderness first aid
I wouldn't mess around with habitat improvement as a subject...it is WAY more complex than you think. I love your idea and definitely think that outdoor education should be a requirement for every school, not just an elective. It seems to me like the kids coming out of schools these days are book smart, but they completely lack common sense, and most can't even identify the most common species of plants and fauna in their own back yards. +1000 for you if that is at all possible!
The town in Va I live in does allow an Archery course. There is a story I read on Mossey oak.com about West Virginia schools offering something like this discussion thread in their schools. I would like to approach my state legislaters to push for a measure to be introduced into our schools as well in partnership with outdoor organizations and DGIF.
I agree bioguy. Habitat improvement is complex however if you introduce it you may get another bioguy or biogirl and continue a legacey set forth by our forfathers and us......
no seed ever grows unless it's planted and given a chance.
That's awesome that they allow an archery course. I remember shooting bows in gym class when I was in school, but it was only a one-time-per-year type of deal.
What I was getting at with habitat improvement is that habitat improvement for some species sometimes means habitat destruction for others. Keeping that in mind, people with a hunting mind-set tend to only think of game species, like deer and turkeys, when it comes to "habitat improvement" projects. But I suppose there are some really easy habitat improvement projects that would be great for species diversity if you can get the materials donated. Projects such as building various types of bird houses and feeders, planting a small food plot, and maybe errecting a small deer exclosure or two would be within reason, and there are a lot of really neat science projects that can come out of those. Now that I've thought about it a little bit, I guess the more important issue to address with the habitat improvement part would be cost of materials. I hope you succeed in making this thought a reality!
I tend to think this idea will fly as long as firearms are avoided. Although strict gun control is a premise of liberalism, in this situation it would be more of a liability and insurance issue than a specific political party preventing an education opportunity.
Could you imagine the reprocussions if a school was teaching kids about firearms and then had a school shooting? Regardless of the material that was being taught, the press would undoubtedly concentrate on the fact that a firearms course was offered and there was a school shooting. There would be lawsuits out the wazoo, and at that point, political parties would definitely be at each other's throats.
I know of some schools that have competitive rifle and trap shooting teams, which is fantastic! However, those programs are designed for kids who have a great respect for firearms, an appreciation for outdoor sports, and a successful academic background.
rocky d bashaw sorry but about all the liberals I know are the hunters and outdoors types and the conservatives are the rich city people that make fun of our country roots but that is also people between the ages of 20 and 30 guess the world is changing.
I wouldlike that...great idea...i would trade gym class for something like that...any class i would trade for that..
it seems like a minimal increase... liveable. If I knew that 100% of the money would be set aside and used for the cause it was meant to and not be subdivided by special interrest groups to build well in africa, fund welfare etc. I wouldn't have a problem with it.
I do not see a reason to increase taxes on Outdoor related items and guns because they're pretty heavily taxed and proceeds already go to outdoor related activities and in other projects.
Licenses are supposed to be a non taxed item.
Anyways I think it's a good idea but the politicians would see it as a pocket liner.
I hear ya...based on the question I asked on the answers section, it doesn't seem like it will be well received. Some good points have been made, and people are coming from angles that I didn't expect, which is great for constructive criticism and building a more stable policy. Something needs to be done soon. We're losing the babyboom generation of hunters, kids have too many other distractions to get into hunting, and wildlife agencies are understaffed, underfunded, and lack the necessary resources they need to do their jobs. If that's the situation now...what is it going to be like 20 years from now? If anyone has a better idea, I'm all ears, because something needs to be done, and it needs to be done soon.
Bioguy... Yeah I read those posts too. You do not want the Antis havin say in our activities.
My kid is 6 and is very interrested in hunting and fishing. It starts at home. It starts with education. That's why I wanted feedback about my question as you did yours.
It's true kids have alot goin on that we didn't when we were growin up. Parents are workin more and have less time to hunt and pass on the heritage. So it takes mentors to do it.
We do need to do more to ensure our heritage lives on and to educate and void the growing anti sentiment and loss of outdoor enthusiast.
They are a big influence in our schools, tv, and i personally don't want my kid misguided by them and I'm tired of the biased media who won't give credit where credit is due or promote the outdoors.
Bioguy your idea is commendable but it needs safeguards to protect its true intent and ensure it is used towards that intent. But I don't think anyone right now is ready for it especially with the current administration and their greed, proposed tax hikes and generous spending of tax payer money.
There are alot of disgruntled people over that and the fact the current administation wants to cram stuff we don't want down our throats
I agree with all of you.
I think that it should be an elective like shop class, small engines etc. I think it would cut down on Outdoor incidents/casualties too.
I think that it would also have a strong backing from Outdoor oriented companies, parents that want to teach their kids but are working to feed and cloth them, single parents in the same boat or that want to give their kids a role model. So not too worried bout anti's though they're about as annoying as havin fleas.
Thank y'all for your answers please continue to provide feedback if you wish.
I think that Trauma Focussed Training should also be taught as well as First Aid.
Bioguy Good answers and I agree.
However alot of schools with JROTC, 4-H, Archery and Marksmanship Teams allow weapons training. I agree background checks are in order and there is a level of maturity that should be taken into consideration.
It shouldn't be the main focus either.. Education is the main focus.
Thank you because your insight is actually well recieved and good info.
Here is the article I found on Mossyoak.com that got me interrested in this idea:
West VA: Hunting Classes in Schools! April 02, 2008
Legislation is on its way to the governor that will make West Virginia the first state in the U.S. to offer a hunting and firearms safety education course for students in grades 6 through 12.
Supporters of the bill said they hoped the measure would help stem the decline in the growth of hunting in The Mountain State by making the classes more accessible to potential hunters. In the past decade, West Virginia has seen a marked drop in the number of deer-hunting licenses, and, like many states, is looking for ways to reverse the loss of license revenue.
While stopping short of mandating the course to be taught in all state schools, the legislation provides funding for classes in all schools where at least 20 students express interest.
Though he has not committed to signing the bill into law, Gov. Joe Manchin voiced his support of changes made in the legislation prior to its passage.
Billy Wayne Bailey (D-Wyoming County), the bill’s original author, said the state has a responsibility to protect cultural traditions like hunting.
“It’s hard to find too many 55-year-olds that are still playing basketball or football, but a lot of people well into their 80s enjoy hunting,” Baily said. “For us,” he added, “this is a pastime we want to preserve.”
I would love to see this in Virginia. I think it with all of the shared ideas here would make an outstanding program.
Most definitely. Great article!
I've been working on a small project myself trying to get people in favor of an increased state sales tax that will cause everyone, not just sportsmen, to contribute to wildlife conservation, acquisition and protection of wildlife habitat, and clean water and air projects. The framework for the law already exists...Minnesota pioneered the idea and was the first state to pass a bill like this. I would like to see it happen in several other states as well. Check it out if you would like:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/features/amendment.html
Bioguy may I make a suggestion If you want to ensure the money goes towards what you're talking about:
Have you thought about incentives, grants, donations to a superfund that is dedicated entirely to and geared towards your idea. And I would approach each state individually and get their feedback. It alleviates taxes and reduces the anti foot print, but allows donations without lining pockets or giving antis a way of saying I pay taxes so I have the right to protest these activities
I contacted state legislates on the subject awaitin word
Awesome. I wrote the governor of NY, but never received an answer. I am kind of biding my time to get into a position where I have a littler more pull politically. A wildlife biologist at the bottom of the chain doesn't really strike the attention of political officials. Until then, getting some ideas and feedback, and making people aware of the future dilemma are my top priorities.
Great idea by the way...I just don't know if the general public would get on board. Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiests comprise a really small portion of the population and they already contribute as much as they possibly can. Nearly everyone enjoys being outside, seeing wildlife, breathing fresh air, drinking clean water, and looking at beautiful scenery. We really need something that the general public can agree to and support financially.
I hope you hear back soon from the state legislatures. Take care!
BioGuy: I got some feedback from one legislators aid. She is forwarding it to the DGIF .. can't totally remember the full name but it's goin up for their review.
That's awesome!
I thought so when I read it today. It's amazing what you can do just by asking the right questions backed with facts/ ideas
it also helps if the person you contact has an open mind.
great idea,but it will not fly with all the liberals in the world now.
Post an Answer