TARGET SHOOTERS CAN HELP HUNTERS & RANGES!
NJ FIREARM OWNERS NEED TO STICK TOGETHER!

by Lee Ollivier for Black Wire Media Tues 11-26-19 www.cnjfo.com/join-us

WHY SHOULD A RANGE SHOOTER GET A HUNTING LICENSE?

As I write this, I am sitting in a camouflage tent-like hunting blind in the mountains of "wild and wonderful" West Virginia.

Wouldn't it make sense to avail yourself all of the outdoors New Jersey has to offer?

Hunting is a discipline as is shooting at the range. To get a hunting license, you must study, take a knowledge- based test based on safety, hunting ethics etc. and you must pass with proficiency. Then, once that is achieved, you take the hands-on test to demonstrate your ability to safely handle your choice of hunting device and make ethical shots.

There are 3 main categories of hunting licenses (permits) in New Jersey.

1) shotgun
2) black powder (muzzleloader)
3) archery

You can choose to take the tests for all 3 at once if offered. If you don't have a shotgun, or muzzleloader rifle, they may be available during the test. For archery, you would likely have to bring a bow or maybe a crossbow if allowed. The archery test with a bow takes accuracy so you will need to practice. It's best to check the details, it's all in the study materials.

Many people take all 3 hands-on tests in 1 morning or afternoon. It's really an enjoyable time. You will meet great people as you wait your turn. Many dads and moms with their young sons and daughters will likely be there. Hunter Education is available at age 10, with SAFETY being the primary lesson.

At some time, you may be asked to go on an adventure such as dove, quail, turkey hunting or for pheasant in South Dakota, elk in Colorado etc. You will need a license.

Many states require you to have a prior license or a qualification certificate. If you don't have a license, you will need to wait until classes are available when you are available. This can create a problem. If you already have the hunting certificates or a license, you're in! Book that flight or get your license and meet your friends to hunt locally.

Getting a hunting certificate and/or license shows your support of the 2nd Amendment as numbers count! Hunting license fees also pay for wildlife and land conservation efforts. Another often overlooked fact is that a $27.50 NJF&W Hunting License buys you all the range time you can handle at the state-run Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's). Several long gun-ONLY ranges are available throughout NJ's 21 counties (check NJ compendium for caliber/gun restrictions and for places where lead birdshot is disallowed!)

NJ Fish & Wildlife also has their "Apprentice" license program in effect again this year. It enables a prospective hunter the ability to go hunting with a mentor, for up to 2 years, without the mandatory classroom training & exam. CNJFO is running a Pheasant Hunt on Leap Year Day, Saturday February 29th, 2020, and is allowing Apprentice Hunters to hunt pheasant. They're supplying the mentors, which are all multi-disciplined shooters themselves! To learn more about this Hunt, go to: www.cnjfo.com/event-3642184 .

I am a believer that range shooters like learning various disciplines. If you don't have a license yet, consider it a challenge and adventure. You will undoubtedly learn new skills and it really is fun!

EDITOR's NOTE:

A staunch 2A supporter and CNJFO member, Ollivier has
witnessed first-hand why all hunters and range shooters need to be more 2A proactive. A hunter of deer, pheasant, bear etc. for many years, he has helped others with learning the "after-the-shot" tasks to ensure the harvests get proper handling. Ollivier is a NRA Member and a great role model for all firearm owners.