I have been getting inquiries from branches keen to investigate running a course and sounding out what is involved.
These inquiries are from branches genuinely interested in attracting new hunters into the sport or to improve the structure of the training already provided for juniors within the branch.
The usual questions are, "What is involved and what will my time commitment be" and "Do we need a qualified instructor before we start?"
Most people know that NZDA runs HUNTS in a partnership with New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC). This has meant that NZDA has bought into a system that emphasises quality planning, quality delivery and quality of care for all involved in HUNTS.
HUNTS requires a coordinator to be nominated and supported by the branch. Ideally, he or she should have a connection with Mountain Safety Council but this is not essential. It is essential however that the coordinator has managerial skills to handle the recruitment, paperwork and liaison with other organisations that may assist in the delivery of the program.
The best people around deliver specialist training and this is where qualified instructors should be used. MSC instructors in firearms, bush, alpine and outdoor first aid have credible credentials and currency (up to date expertise and knowledge) and to have their warrants renewed every three years they must be active instructors.
Importantly in this day and age they are police vetted and this is an added safeguard for our often young HUNTS trainees.
To this existing pool of MSC instructors we are adding an increasing number of HUNTS instructors who have the hunting skills and are acquiring MSC qualifications in bush and risk management. Eventually most branch coordinators will have this training.
Well the average course runs for five evenings and two weekends and includes range work, an overnight camp and a hunting experience.
The coordinator who may also be the chief instructor is almost always involved but should expect support in the field from branch hunters and range shooters. In point of fact, if there is no support, the program should not be running because the risk management would be marginal at best and criminally negligent at worst.
You contact the NZDA National Office and ask your questions.
NZDA is promoting HUNTS as a quality national scheme and a prompt response to your inquiries and a firm promise of all possible support throughout your involvement is our commitment to you.