The recent passage of Senate Bill 161 (SB 161) allows Arkansas’ public schools and public school districts to incorporate a hunter safety course into their physical education and health and safety curriculum for grades five through twelve. These courses must adhere to the hunter training and safety program offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and be taught by an educator who has met the instructor qualifications created by AGFC. In addition, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) worked with the bill authors to include “wildlife conservation” in the course.

The ability to integrate hunter safety into the curriculum helps familiarize students to the outdoors, wildlife conservation, hunting, and firearm handling and safety. These courses also are an opportunity to highlight the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and the important role hunters and anglers play through the American System of Conservation Funding. For many students, this may be their best opportunity to gain this knowledge and experience.

Hunting and other outdoor activities have been shown to improve one’s physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has many returning to nature, with fishing and hunting license sales increasing across the country. The new bill will provide an opportunity for children to take a hunting safety course in school, help recruit new hunters and provide an easier path to the outdoors.

The Arkansas Legislature should be applauded for helping educate students about the state’s outdoor heritage and allowing them to receive the training needed to enjoy these pursuits while contributing to conservation through the purchase of licenses.

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