NRA's Free Hunter Education Course Raises $150,000

by
posted on May 29, 2020
nra-hunter-education-header-f.jpg

The National Rifle Association’s free online Hunter Education Course has raised more than $150,000 in matching Pittman-Robertson funds for state wildlife agencies. Although the critical funding is primarily used for conservation, it also goes for securing land for shooting ranges, maintenance, development, and more.

“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.”

In 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) said wildlife agencies can count NRA’s free Online Hunter Education Courses as in-kind matching dollars to access Pittman-Robertson funds, which are generated from federal excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers. Oklahoma was one of the first to take advantage of the 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. “Our transition from our own online 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 it has 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.”

For a preview of the free NRA Online Hunter Education Course, visit NRAHE.org. For information on getting the course approved for use in your state, you can also e-mail [email protected] or call (800) 492-4868.

Latest

Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical
Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical

Review: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical

This evaluation examines the version of Rock River's Tactical Carbine, in .22 Long Rifle, equipped with aluminum upper and lower receivers and a non-folding, length-adjustable stock.

The Armed Citizen® April 7, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Future Of The Brass Cartridge Case

Advances in technology and manufacturing are ushering in radical changes in cartridge case design. It may not be an extinction event on the horizon for the readily reloaded, one-piece brass version, but the times are changing—fast.

New For 2025: Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite

Superb as the original remains, Browning nonetheless found a few areas for improvement within its X-Bolt platform, which it has addressed by offering several second-generation models—including the Hunter Composite seen here.

New For 2025: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Characterized by Heckler & Koch as "the most realistic civilian version of the G36 yet," a .22 Long Rifle-chambered variant of the popular and elusive G36 is now available to American firearm enthusiasts.

Preview: SOG Kukri Machete

The SOG Kukri Machete is well-suited to clearing away brush and small limbs despite its relatively compact size.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.