Instructors mark 50 years of hunter education in Ontario

Instructors mark 50 years of hunter education in Ontario

Half century of mandatory training has made Ontario a safe place to hunt
In 1960, Ontario became the first province to make hunter training mandatory for all first time hunters. Since that time, well over one million people have successfully completed a hunter education course.

The Ontario Hunter Education Program, administered by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) under agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources, has become a model for other jurisdictions across North America to follow, and has demonstrated the value of hunter education in ensuring that hunting is a safe recreational activity. Statistically, hunting is safer than many recreational activities, including cycling, horseback riding, skating and golf.

“Hunter education instructors are doing a great job communicating that safety comes first,” said Dave Pind, O.F.A.H. Hunter Education Program Manager. “We congratulate the more than 300 instructors across the province for their efforts in delivering training to 17,000 students last year. Their dedication and professionalism ensure that new hunters know the importance of conducting themselves safely and responsibly.”

Over 100 Ontario hunter education instructors will gather in London on April 23 and 24 for their annual conference.

To learn more, or to locate a hunter education course in your area, visit www.ohep.net.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the largest fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario, with more than 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs. To learn more, visit www.ofah.org.