5135                                         HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM                                      5135

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has established a Hunter Education Program “to promote the safe handling of firearms and archery equipment, teach responsible, ethical conduct by hunters, educate sportsmen in the various methods and the proper use of equipment in harvesting game, and endorse the importance of wildlife management laws and regulations.”

Notwithstanding Policy 6427, Weapons and Dangerous Instruments/Substances, a hunter education program may be offered to high school students on the condition that all of the following requirements are met:

1. Hunter Education Course

A hunter education course may be taught only by a North Carolina certified   hunter education instructor and only in a course that includes hunter education as part of the Standard Course of Study or as part of a school-sponsored co-curricular activity. 

2. Parent Permission Required

Students may only participate in a hunter education course and related activities involving weapons with notarized, written parental permission.

3. Limitations on Activities Involving Weapons

Any school-sponsored activities undertaken as part of the hunter education program that involve the possession, handling or use of a weapon must comply with the following requirements:

1. Participating students must have successfully completed the approved hunter education course;
2. A certified hunter education instructor must be present at all times during such activities;
3. All applicable safety rules outlined in the N.C. Hunter Education Shooting Tournament Official Rules shall be followed;
4. Activities may only be conducted at approved shooting ranges.

Nothing in this policy shall permit any individual to possess, handle or use any weapon, as defined by Policy 6427, on any school district property at any time.

The Superintendent shall develop rules and procedures as appropriate for the implementation of this policy.

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Legal Reference:  G.S. 115C-47(4)

Cross Reference:  Policy 2302, Policy 6427, Policy 6860

Adopted:  August 19, 2008