Yeah, I just took the class on Sat. I learned 4 things I did not previously know. I was a little disappointed also but maybe that just means I am already a good hunter

I took mine in college in 1977. No, I don't remember anything about it except the handbook that was sponsored by Remington and had cool ads for all of their guns.

And kudos to TPWD book keeping. That course from 36 years ago showed up on my new license that I bought this weekend.

I don't remember how old I was when I took it, but I was 3 years below the minimum age for it to count when my brother took it and me and dad took it with him. At that point in time I already thought the class was a joke, waste of my time and passed all parts with flying colors.

It was painful having to go through it again 3 years later.

The class is a BS waste of time. Only time I would ever see it being useful is for people who have literally never been hunting or handled guns. I and many/most others that hunt have more skills than the class can provide before they take it.

we think a lot alike. Pretty much how I felt about it....all 3 times I took it.

What 4 things did you learn?

I learned its frowned upon to scratch your back with a long barreled revolver

1) it is legal (but unethical) to shoot dove from a tree (I don't do it so I never bother reading up on it)

2) purple on a fence denotes "no trespassing" and should be done every 1000 feet; I don't jump fences so I never noticed that

3) it a single pellet from your shot string lands on neighbor's land it can be considered trespassing

4) quartering a deer consist of 6 parts (not 4 - the 2 backstraps are technically included)

Truly quartering a deer only results in 4 parts, that is why they call it quartering. You split the animal down the middle and then between 2 of the ribs, I forget which ones.

The term quartering is commonly interchanged for breaking down which may result in more or less pieces.

So, do you want to be right or do you want to pass the test?

I already passed the test, but if they are teaching that quartering a deer yields six parts I think that's funny.

Take my class...you won't be disappointed...

These are all things I cover...should be included in all courses. I don't do the loading/unloading, because I teach my classes at Kennedale HS. No weapons allowed on campus. I use the bands rifles for shooting scenarios...safe zones of fire, crossing fences...etc...

I won't teach a 5 hour course...more time is needed to do it right like I do. Skills course, TPWD rules and regs, hunter safety scenarios, etc...you get out of it what you put into it. I won't certify any hunter after only 5 hours...I don't want to sign my name for a hunter who isn't well prepared...regardless of age.

Technically, you are right...but a game warden wants these 6 parts in the cooler for identification and number of killed deer purposes...

Good for you.

Amazing how many experienced hunters there are that can't pass the test.
It's a broad based, quick info course. If you take nothing away from the class, either the instructor was not any good or the student was not any good and already knew everything...
It's a documented fact that Hunter's Ed has lowered incidents in the field.

This is the first thing I can recall grandfathering. If I'd been a few months younger I'd have to endure it. It seems this is geared toward complete greenhorns, that have never held a gun. They may need some guidance, but this old country boy learned young. Thankfully!

Took my class with my older son (even though I was exempt). Had been hunting for 30+ years. Class was 12 hours (4 on Friday eve and 8 on Sat). Learned a few things I did not know, but mostly it was a good reminder of what I had been and should have been doing.

If you only learned 4 things, that right there was the cost of admission into the hunting fraternity. I missed out on having to take the test because I was born in the early '60s. I think since the hunter education requirement has become mandatory, lives have been saved, and young hunters have become better sportsmen.

I was born in '66 and took the class anyway... in case I hunt out of state mostly. Info is always good to have also.

When I took my class in June the instructor bragged to me during enrollment that "nobody fails my class". My first thought was "shouldn't SOME people fail it?" It seems to be looked at as a formalitiy, which is disappointing considering how important safety is.

I took mine with my 13 year old son, I'm 50, but wanted to see if I might learn something. Hunted for 40 plus years. We took the course at Denton County Sports Assoc. I learned far more than I thought I would, instructors were very knowledgeable, and very nice. Outdoor part was really informative. My 13 year old really enjoyed the class and we both passed, as everyone did. I recommend those guys highly.

my cousin went to a class about 5 years ago wont name where, but the instructor had to leave for some reason and passed everyone there on the spot, nothing was taught, wish I would have gone

First you have to remember the class is set up for people who have never hunted. Im sure I will feel the same way when my boys take it. My boys have been taught law enforcement gun safety since they could hold a gun.

That being said they have to take the class and more people need to sign up to teach.

That pretty well sums it up.

Those people may be hunting on the property next to you, or might even be on the same lease with you. Do you want them educated or ignorant.