NRA Free Online Hunter Education Course Raises $150,000 for State Wildlife Agencies

by
posted on May 27, 2020
logo-and-motto.jpg
Your National Rifle Association is pleased to announce its free online Hunter Education Course has raised more than $150,000 for state wildlife agencies in matching Pittman-Robertson (P-R) funds.

“It is truly a win-win for everyone,” said Joseph P. DeBergalis Jr., executive director of NRA General Operations. “With no financial investment of their own, states can now access match money and new hunters will receive top-notch free education and certification.”

Officially known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, P-R distributes monies to state wildlife agencies for a variety of wildlife, conservation and shooting program projects through the taxation of firearms, archery equipment and hunting license sales.

In 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) said state wildlife agencies could count NRA’s free Online Hunter Education Courses as in-kind match dollars to access P-R funds. Oklahoma was one of the first states to take advantage of this change.

"Thanks to our partnership with the NRA and NRA-ILA, thousands of Oklahomans have taken the NRA free on-line hunter education course," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Conservation (ODWC). "Our transition from our own on-line course to the NRA course was smooth and flawless. In addition to great content, delivered at no cost, the ODWC has already received $81,880 in federal matching funds due to the NRA's donation of the course.”

Florida was also an early adopter of NRA’s free online hunter education courses. To date they’ve received $70,000 in federal matching funds.

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is committed to providing a variety of educational formats and opportunities to satisfy the needs of those interested in learning how to be safe, knowledgeable, responsible and involved hunters,” said Bill Cline, FWC’s section leader for Hunter Safety and Public Shooting Ranges. “We appreciate NRA’s support of our program and their investment in producing a high-quality course that students can take for free.”

State agencies taking part in this new program can now provide a unique service for their residents and create additional fish and wildlife conservation programs by accessing long awaited P-R funds.

“We always believed a free, quality online hunter-education course would reduce the barriers of entry for first-time hunters while helping state agencies recover P-R dollars. Our hope is more states follow Oklahoma and Florida’s lead and expand their hunter education and wildlife conservation programs for all to enjoy,” said Peter Churchbourne, director of the NRA Hunters Leadership Forum.

To preview the free NRA Online Hunter Education Course, visit NRAHE.org. For information on getting the course approved for use in your state, email [email protected] or call 800-492-4868.

Latest

001 4BBT Holster 01
001 4BBT Holster 01

4 Reasons Big-Bore Revolvers Are Still Ideal Trail Guns

Although semi-automatic pistols have a place in the trail gun line up, revolvers still have their advantages.

First Look: Rise Reliant Bolt-Action Trigger

Rise Triggers has entered the bolt-action market with its first-ever trigger for the Remington 700 platform: the Reliant Hunter and Reliant Pro triggers.

NRA Announces New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the release of its newly revised edition of the NRA Club Leadership & Development Online Course.

USDA Order is a Win for Wildlife

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum to conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity in the United States, directing agencies within the USDA to consider habitat connectivity in planning and programs in a manner that recognizes State and Tribal authorities and respects private property rights.

Review: Beretta BRX1

Beretta calls the BRX1 the fastest manually operated repeating platform on the market. Quick barrel, bolt and magazine swaps and adjustable ergonomics make it a distinct alternative to the classic turn-bolt for just about anyone, and ambidextrous controls make the rifle an attractive choice for lefties.

Are Premium Steel Waterfowl Shells Worth the Price?

With prices approaching those of bismuth—a superior shot-making material—are top-tier steel loads worth the cost? Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.