Click here to review available field day events. To schedule a field day, call the Education Branch at (623) 236-7235 or (623) 236-7219.

Note: Online students must have completion certificate prior to calling to schedule for a field day. Students that have completed the online Internet based introductory hunter education course MUST provide the field day chief instructor with their course completion certificate in order to participate in the field day.

At a minimum, the field day will include “hands-on” activities, exercises and demonstrations targeted at enhancing student skills gained in the classroom, during independent study or other comparable sources. The student will also be observed and reviewed by the instructors as they watch for and assess the student’s general demeanor, handling of firearms, communication skills and safety awareness on a trail during a simulated hunt. This activity will also include discussion to further the student’s understanding of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and if they haven’t already seen the Beyond Fair Chase movie, it will be observed and discussed at the field day.

At every opportunity instructors will emphasize hunter ethics and safety, continuing education and the additional educational opportunities available for hunter education students. This can be achieved through attendance and participation at agency sponsored small game camps as well as other shooting sports, e.g., sporting clays, trap and skeet, and additional activities such as orienting, survival, archery, muzzle-loading, etc. available through agency sponsored mentor programs.

At the instructors’ discretion, and time allowing, students may be allowed to actively participate in the firearms and other demonstrations as appropriate.

ATTIRE

The student should ALWAYS consider current or anticipated weather conditions for the field day and dress appropriately in layers. You should dress as if you were going hunting. Foot-ware should also be considered and students are encouraged to wear a durable field boot or heavy duty hiking shoe suitable for use in the field.

LUNCH

Field days are typically conducted at a local shooting range and eating establishments may not be near-by. Lunch may or may not be available at the field day location and students are always encouraged to take a snack or lunch along with plenty of liquids for their field day exercise.

During the field day students can expect to participate in the following activities.

1. Open Discussion of "Beyond Fair Chase".
2. Discussion of TAB+1.
3. 50 question Hunter Education exam. Passing score is 80%.
4. Firearm / ammo orientation.
5. Simulated hunt / tracking exercise.
6. Demonstrate knowledge regarding "Zone of Fire".
7. .22 live fire exercise from 3 positions.

During range training, instructors will maintain direct supervision of students at any time live ammunition is in use. At no time will students be allowed to possess live ammunition or firearms except under direct supervision of an instructor.

In any activity, the instructors will be responsible for supervision of all students. Depending on range availability and where the field day is conducted, students may use airguns or .22 rifles. Regardless, the student will fire twelve rounds using a minimum of two shooting positions. During live fire (airgun or .22 rifle), each group of students will have a minimum of one instructor per five students.

Disposable earplugs are furnished by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for each student and must be used. Instructors will require all participants to bring and wear eye protection while on the firing line. Sunglasses are acceptable as well as prescription eye glasses.

Student (Minimum) Requirements:

• Through field (and/or simulated classroom) activities, explain and demonstrate the four primary rules of firearm safety (TAB+1) which are:

 

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.

• +1 Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

• Explain and demonstrate proper loading, unloading and safety mechanism(s) while handling at least two firearms with separate types of actions and  "dummy ammunition" supplied by instructor (courteously acknowledging and accepting firearm with action open, gun pointing in safe direction at all times, knowing action type, correctly carrying and matching ammunition, knowing location(s) of safety). Students and instructor must ALWAYS demonstrate TAB+1 when handling firearms.

• Correctly match at least three caliber/gauges of ammunition with their respective shotguns/rifles among an assortment of ammunition/firearms. (Firearms and dummy ammunition laid out on a table or flat surface and student matches correct ammunition with matching firearm).

• Demonstrate how to determine whether barrel is free from obstruction with both a rifle and a shotgun (always point in safe direction, open action, check to be sure chamber/magazine is unloaded, check from breech and/or use appropriate accessories such as a barrel light).

• Demonstrate making a firearm safe for transportation in a vehicle, boat and or an ATV, or while entering an elevated stand (2-6 ft.) and/or ground blind. (Firearm always pointed in a safe direction, unloaded, checked, cased, ammunition separate, hauling line, sling, etc.).

• Demonstrate two safe methods for crossing an obstacle or hazardous terrain; one method alone, the other method while with a partner.

• While demonstrating an awareness of left-handed and right-handed shooters, display safe zone of fire and appropriate carrying method(s) using a shoulder gun, while walking two/three abreast and while walking two/three in a single file position within the group may vary). Encourage conversation by student(s) to determine the appropriate position for each hunter within their group. Insure each student maintains an appropriate and safe spacing throughout this exercise.

• Demonstrate safe shot selection (for example: considering various backgrounds, shot placement, angles of shot relative to tree stands, quartering away and other similar shots, skyline animals, shooting into a group of animals where more than one may get hit. Present and discuss safe/unsafe and unethical shot opportunities guiding the discussion, but seeking examples from the students. Also discuss TAB+1 with heavy emphasis on the target, its surroundings and what is beyond.

• Demonstrate safe handling of rifles and/or shotguns (alternate-airguns) through simulated and/or live firing exercises including safe muzzle direction at all times; safe loading/unloading and shooting procedures; adherence to range commands/instructions; and the use of eye and ear protection.

• Through live-fire and/or simulated live-fire activities, demonstrate an understanding of rifle marksmanship including proper positions(s), sight alignment, sight picture, and sight adjustment. Loading and shooting procedures/techniques; or, demonstrate an understanding of shotgun shooting principles including proper stance, mount and shooting techniques/swings/leads.

• Demonstrate cleaning procedures for a rifle and shotgun, and make them safe for storage (always pointed in a safe direction, unloaded, checked, cased, and/or placed/locked in a gun safe, ammunition stored and locked separately, gun locks/accessories in place, etc.).

• GPS

• After an orientation by the instructor, students must demonstrate the proper use of a compass to establish their current position and ability to  take a relative bearing. Student should also be able to orient a map and identify a minimum of three ground features on the map, relative to their established position.

SHOOTING Demonstration(s):

Time allowing, the instructors may conduct one or more shooting demonstrations approved by the Department of Game and Fish.

Field Day Rules and Expected Behavior

Remember that your Hunter Education Instructor is a volunteer and is donating his or her time at Field day. You will be expected to follow the below rules. The instructor reserves the right to expel or fail any student for inappropriate behavior.

Hunter Education Class Rules

• Prompt Attendance at all classes scheduled is mandatory unless cleared with the instructor.
• No firearms will be brought to the class unless requested by the instructor.
• Live ammunition or components will not be allowed in class.
• Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
• Field day attendance and participation is required.
• Unsafe handling of any firearm can be grounds for failure.
• Your involvement in the class discussions will help you and others learn.
• It is your responsibility to provide a social security or hunter ID number. 

All students must be at least 10 years old before the scheduled end of class.

Click here to review available field day events. To schedule a field day, call the Education Branch at (623) 236-7235 or (623) 236-7219.