Texas Hunter Ed Home Study Completion | Denton County Sports Association

"Home Study" students (and parents) who are contemplating a "Completion Course" at DCSA should consider the reading of this page a mandatory part of the "home study" for all students (over 14) and especially parents.

If, as a "home study" student, you "do not have time" (approximately 20 minutes) to read at least the balance of this page plus Directions to DCSA, please explore your options elsewhere.

Or, if you are one of the few who thinks the above is an acceptable way to transport a game animal, please click now on the little "X" in the upper right hand portion of your screen.

Limited-size classes geared for busy, self-disciplined individuals who can follow procedures below

Courses may be conducted indoors, outdoors or both. Please dress accordingly. (Classroom depicted below has both heating and air conditioning, but the "hunter skills trail" segment is conducted in all types of weather.)

Attention Kids: Congratulations if you have been checking out classes and have found this web site on your own! If he or she has not already done so, it is now time to have the PARENT who will be doing your pre-registration or driving you out to READ all of this page.

Effective for all classes beginning August 2002, a parent, guardian or other appropriate responsible adult, whether registered for class or not, should plan to remain on site (at least in parking lot) when student is 14 years of age or less. Even if not "a hunter", parents are encouraged to take the course for the shared knowledge and experience.

1. Check out dates, costs, requirements, and actual availability of "completion" classes ("field days"). This includes reading the specified pages here, including *footnotes at the bottom of this one.

Students who choose ANY of the various "home study" options get a one day credit for that "home study" that can be applied the "minimum two day course requirement".

Student's overall "course time" often still takes at least the "10 hour minimum", but only one day is required in class. Home study completion (or a.k.a. "field day") courses require a minimum of 4 hours at a test site. The format used at DCSA typically requires at least 5 continuous hours on site. Some other considerable variations from some text on T. P. &W.'s web site are described in text that follows on this page.

While at this web site, Hunter Ed. students (and/or PARENTS or SPOUSES) who may plan to come to DSCA for any reason should also READ at least "General Information", "Facilities & Class Fees" and "Directions to DCSA". Individuals who do take the time to read all of this web page plus the 3 web pages mentioned above do not necessarily need to take or read the literature in the 2 boxes in our driveway.

one of the other options that we recognize, but for reasons stated below, may be less desirable.

Use orange "on site" registration form (stocked in the orange literature box in DCSA driveway). Either type of registration form can be delivered by mail, by courier or in person any time "Open House" sign is visible on front porch - or 24/7 via the black drop box per photo below.

Please do not register yourself, your spouse, your child, or a friend for a class UNLESS BOTH YOU AND THEY can make time to (1) READ at least all of this page, (2) study for approximately 6 hours in advance, and (3) attend ALL scheduled hours in a timely manner.

Due to small classes and frequent "no shows" without it, DCSA policy requires full payment at the time of pre-registration, typically ** $46.88 total for a new student who opts for an on-line course OR the cost is $15 for current DCSA members.

** The cost for the Home Study Completion Course, Testing and Certification is $15.00 (effective June 1, 2006). Effective June 2007, the cost of DCSA's Mandatory Safety Orientation & Initial Facility Use Fee (for all first time participants) is $30.00 + $1.88 state sales tax. (This equates to a $31.88 discount on the next class taken at DCSA within the next 12 months, including the Concealed Handgun License course for students 20 or older.)

IF you purchased the "$10 deferral" in conjunction with the current season (valid through August 31) hunting license, you may attach it or a clean photocopy to your registration form and take a $5 credit against the total cost stated above.

DCSA DOES NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE OR E-MAIL RESERVATIONS, BUT MAINTAINS A STRICT AND SIMPLE FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE POLICY:

Students who have used the mail-in registration form or who have gone to the effort to hand deliver their registration form and proper payment (cash or check) to the black drop box (photo above) get priority space-wise over students who who wait to register at an "Open House" on the same day of the class they hope to attend. "Maximum capacity" for any given class can vary based the number of sit-in parents, the weather, etc. and is at the sole discretion of instructor(s).

So ... IF you are contemplating just showing up on the day of a class with HOPE of the class not being full, and IF THE "OPEN HOUSE" SIGN IS NOT VISIBLE when you arrive, you can IMPROVE YOUR PROBABILITY of getting ANY available "slot" ("stand by" or otherwise, in that class or a subsequent class) by placing your completed registration form and payment of $46.88 per person in the black drop box AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

In other words, if a class is reaching maximum capacity, student registration forms with proper payment ALREADY IN THE DROP BOX WILL GET PRIORITY over students and/or parents who sometimes do not read well and/or wait for office door to be unlocked for "Open House". (To avoid controversy over who may have arrived first, we start with forms at the bottom of the drop box and work up.)

If a class reaches maximum capacity just before or during an open house period immediately preceding a class, on-site students who did not get in the class for that day can chose from available dates and get a confirmed slot number for a subsequent class.

Hunter ed. students are welcome to attend any Open House but do not have to attend a DCSA orientation in advance of their class date (as orientations for "first timers" are conducted during the first hour of all classes.) A two week lead time is not necessarily required for pre-registration, but those who do so via mail at least two weeks in advance will be mailed a written confirmation with slot number.

You will be told "First come / First served"First come / First served"First come / First served" per written registration instructions here!

All students who use the drop box or mail in their registration form and payment will get a phone call from DCSA with a confirming slot number as soon as practical. Those who register on site will be given a slot number at the time.

Hunter education class registration forms are stocked in the orange box pictured above and can be placed 24/7 in the black drop box in photo below.

If you are in the parking lot with intention of using the drop box to pre-register and you see the "Open House" sign showing (per photo immediately below), feel free to hand deliver your registration form to DCSA office.

On the other hand, if the "Open House" sign is not displayed (per photo below), simply use the drop box and do not disturb a class in progress.

If using the black drop box, please raise the little red arm to indicate that the box needs checking. (In busy seasons, the drop box is commonly checked more frequently than the regular mail box.)

IF you are a "first-timer" to DCSA, DO NOT mail or place a registration form in the drop box and expect to have a slot (or slots) reserved without including payment of $46.88 per student.

During some seasons, previously posted classes may "disappear" from this web site before the Texas Parks and Wildlife web page can be updated. Just because a class is shown as available right now does not mean that it will necessarily be available when you get around to pre-registering - or that you can show up as a "walk on" and expect to get in !!!

100% current "slot availability" is obtainable ONLY when someone is available on site with access to current registration forms and payments for all classes. The next best method of checking availability is watching this web site, which is updated as frequently as practical. When not pre-registering in person, students are advised to also place a "2'nd choice" date on registration form. THE FURTHER IN ADVANCE that you get a completed written registration form and proper payment to DCSA (whether via snail mail, the drop box or Open House), the more likely you will get a slot in "1'st choice" class.

The schedule below is updated as frequently as practical, yet it may be SPORADIC. As stated elsewhere, there is frequently NO ONE CONSISTENTLY IN THE OFFICE to tell callers how many slots remain for a given class. Even if there is someone in the office, there is NO WAY WE CAN PRECISELY PREDICT IF or WHEN a class will fill or not. (Others could very well be placing their registration form(s) and payment in the 24/7 drop box RIGHT NOW.)

Classes are deleted from this web site as soon as practical after they approach or reach capacity (sometimes varies based upon the number of scheduled sit-in parents).

Calls and e-mails may go to someone's cell phone or computer not on site and they will not be able to tell you any more than what is stated below.

If you or anyone else seeks to take a class at DCSA, the time will be better spent COMPLETELY reading and FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS given on THIS web site. (Actions speak louder than words.)

Policy regarding refunds, transfers, short-notice cancellations and "no shows":

With at least 48 hours notice to dcsa1996@yahoo.com, payments are 100% refundable or transferable to a subsequent class. However, without at least 48 hours e-mailed notice, students should consider at least $31.88 of their pre-payment forfeited.

Students with short-notice cancellations or "no shows" seeking a slot in a subsequent class should so note on another registration form and re-submit with a payment of $31.88 per student. Once a "slot number" has been assigned for a given class, students should not expect to get a confirmed slot number in a subsequent class without following the procedure stated in the prior sentence! Another "starting over" slot number will be assigned on the first-come/first served basis described above.

Of the options, we suggest the first one (It's free - and is more Texas specific). Bring to class as many of your completed "quiz results" as you can get to print - or the "certificate" if using one of the other options.

With the option described above, students will need a current copy of (or computer access to) TP&W's Outdoor Annual to answer all of the questions. (Tip:

With Quiz #8, don't waste a bunch of time searching for the answer to the "spring turkey" question other than sampling pages 71 to 92.)

Remember that "home study" means that you must spend some time there, including reading ALL OF THIS PAGE.

. DCSA does not have control over other parties' web site(s). If you encounter problems with others' web sites, please contact them. If you have problems, comments or suggestions regarding this web site, please send to dcsa1996@yahoo.com.

5. Attend a scheduled course. At DCSA, this takes approximately 5 hours for the first 8 to 12 students pre-registered. When practical, a few more students (slots 9 through 12 and above) may sometimes be accepted if they (and the instructor) are in a position to stay possibly as much as 90 minutes longer than the times stated above. When more than one instructor is available, approximately 20 students may be accommodated in the standard 5-hour format.

With DCSA's safety orientation and checklist scheduled during the first one hour of each class, it is important that students (and parent if needing to sign paperwork) BE ON TIME. Students are not necessarily required to attend "Open House", but are welcome to come inside and check out the range, get acquainted with other students, etc. However, students (and parents) may be asked to come inside the classroom and be seated approximately 5 to 10 minutes before "start time". At "start times" indicated above, instructor must make decisions regarding any "stand-by" students and tries to be "wheels up" by one minute after. If pre-registered students are not present at the specified class start time, "slots" may be assigned to "stand by" students. (Unexpected bad traffic in the Flower Mound area SHOULD BE EXPECTED, especially on week nights!)

DCSA's rather fast paced Hunter Education "Completion Course" will include various discussions, evaluations and videos on safety, responsibility, game laws and ethics and a "hunter skills" trail.

Each student is also required to complete a brief live-fire exercise. Students who have never fired a rifle before should so note on registration form after "Any special needs?" and can sometimes be accommodated with special time/attention. Only 2 students at a time will be on the firing line operating rifles provided.

The range session for "stand-by" students (slot #9+) accepted and/or novice shooters may be conducted after the first 8 students have left for the day. During busy seasons, some classes may be divided into two relays, with those pre-registering late being required to take an off-site break for approximately 90 minutes then return for 90 minutes beyond the normally scheduled hours.

All firearms, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and vests will be provided (as well as pens, pencils and paperwork!). Students should not bring any firearms or ammunition to class. Whether .22s or air rifles, all guns used in class will be provided.

Live-fire exercises and hunter skills trails are not necessarily mandatory in (typically much larger) "traditional" courses (minimum of 10 hours over minimum two day period in Texas). They are, however, required for certification with Texas' "home study course" options. Therefore, it is imperative that parents of students 17 and under make arrangements to complete the proper paperwork (described below).

Also unlike "traditional" hunter ed. courses where 70% is "pass" for certification, students in "home study completion" courses must score at least 80% on the written test – or retake it later until they do.

Students should be prepared to present to instructor prior to or at some point in the class: copies of printed quizzes from the "on-line" course suggested above OR written documentation of completion of one of the other "on line" study options. Students 15 and older may also be asked to show a current photo id.

A "TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE" THAT IS RECOGNIZED in Texas and other states

is issued to students who successfully complete all portions (knowledge, skills and attitude) of the course.

"Home study completion" certification is recognized in Texas and "reciprocity" is in effect with other states, just as with certification from a "traditional" course. (Yes, other states do recognize the Texas "temporary certificate": check with them for any special procedures for "on line" license applications.)

A smaller "permanent" card will subsequently be mailed from Austin. (For those who might lose their card and need another one - or for those who may need prompt verification of being entered in Texas Parks & Wildlife's computer, see https://theo.tpwd.state.tx.us/jsp/query.jsf

Students should dress in layers, in anticipation of approximately one hour being spent briefly walking, then standing on various surfaces. Boots are the preferred footwear, although shoes and socks are OK. During hot weather, shorts are fine. Sandals with no socks or flip flops are not.

Especially from November thru February, a hooded sweatshirt or windbreaker is often the most appropriate outerwear for the brief shooting session conducted in the power ventilated indoor range.

Unlike many outdoor facilities, DCSA is geared

to facilitate course completions in spite of inclement weather. Gravel parking is available for the maximum number of students allowed during pre-registration. In late summer and early fall, students may step directly from an air conditioned classroom into 100 degree heat, so some individuals may want to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and/or insect repellant. In winter, floodlights are integrated to carry on with the "Hunter Skills Trail" segment on weekday evenings.

Despite rain, sleet, snow and brutal north winds, we have yet to cancel a scheduled course due to wet conditions or lousy weather, so students are advised to have appropriate clothing available.

If desired, students are welcome to bring a sack lunch, thermos, small ice chest, soft drinks, and/or bottled water, etc. to this particular class. Eating is often practical during some short videos, but breaks (unless in a Relay #2) are typically NOT of sufficient length to be leaving the premises.

Smoking is permitted outside only - away from anyone who might be offended by hanging or drifting smoke. Dipping and chewing products are allowed as long as open cups are not used in the indoor classroom or range.

Pagers and cell phones should be placed in a "silent" or "vibrate only" mode and used briefly during (very short) breaks only. Sleeping, horseplay, excessive talking or other disruptive behavior can be a basis for "attitude failure" and forfeiture of fees. Anyone found to have alcohol on their breath or in their vehicle will be required to leave and not come back.

A parent or legal guardian of any student under 18 years of age must sign appropriate paperwork before the student can be accepted or permitted to handle a firearm (required in class). The paperwork can be completed (1) PROMPTLY

by printing out Child Liability Release/Associate Membership Info. form, and submitting with printable hunter education class snail mail registration form (2) at an "open house", (3) if taken in advance and returned before class or (4) during first one-hour of class. (While students younger than 9 are welcome to take the course for fun and knowledge, they must be at least 9 on date of completion to obtain official Texas certification.)

Parents or grandparents are quite welcome to attend, yet may (rarely) be subject to "standing room only" (or a seat on a bucket) if they did not pre-register for a student "slot" for themselves.

Spouses, spouses-to-be, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. who are already hunter ed.-certified may sometimes be allowed to attend (subject to availability of space). However, they too should read all applicable pages on this web site and be advised that inappropriate displays of affection, excessive talking, or other types of disruptions may be cause for dismissal of one or both parties.

Parents of kids under 18 are requested to note on registration form (under "Any Special Needs?") if they do plan on sticking around - OR if they will be simply dropping off, completing paperwork, and picking up a few hours later.

Adults who are contemplating bringing a child other than their own should not plan to do so without making prior arrangements for applicable parties to see this web site and pay particular attention to timely completion of Child Liability Release/Associate Membership Info.

The following footnotes are included to help clear up present or potential misunderstandings.

1. Texas Parks & Wildlife's OUTDOOR ANNUAL is the best source for who is required to have a Hunter Education Course to legally hunt on public and private land in Texas. Do not necessarily rely on what you may be told by some inadequately-informed clerks or cashiers in some sporting goods stores! Use the OUTDOOR ANNUAL to check out the facts for yourself.

Beyond Texas' laws and procedures, be advised other states do have VASTLY DIFFERENT "cut off dates" regarding age exemptions. Colorado, for example, requires anyone born after 1948 to provide written proof of a course before being able to purchase a license. A number of older Kansas-bound pheasant hunters also seem to (often frantically) find their way to DCSA first, some as late as mid-winter.

Further, on many FEDERAL LANDS, ALL HUNTERS may be required to have certification REGARDLESS OF AGE. DCSA has dozens of students each year who want to hunt on local Corps of Engineers properties and seek to obtain their frequently-free hunting permits. (And, no, we've yet to hear of their accepting a CHL course - a totally different lesson plan.)

Although not required by law, more and more private landowners and/or clubs may require written proof of certification for all shooters and guests. Due to the above, we have had many older individuals who might not otherwise, get certified for this once-in-a-lifetime course "just in case".

Unfortunately, each year, individuals from age 39 to 75 learn of various requirements applicable to themselves, their children or grandchildren just before a planned hunting trip. Thus, a rather long web page here to hopefully expedite certifications for all ages ...

Beyond those above and the typical busy teenagers, probably DCSA's largest category of students is "the procrastinators"; those approximately 17 to 39 years old, who may or may not know they need the course to legally hunt in Texas and are "just now getting around to it". Then, there are individuals in that same age bracket (born after Sept. 1, 1971) who register rather promptly after receiving "motivation" from a Game Warden ...

2. While privately scheduled classes (see below) are common with other courses, they may be rare with Hunter Ed. This is due in part to facility constraints and state-set pricing for VOLUNTEER instructors who have "real" jobs. Plus, most hunter education instructors usually love to hunt! They may naturally enjoy spending their "off time"

hunting or fishing with their friends and families!

These circumstances are often combined with the fact that when instructors in metropolitan areas do make time to schedule classes during popular time frames near hunting seasons, the classes may fill up quickly - and some (often very upset) people may have to be at least temporarily turned away. (And instructors ask "Where were all these people when I had just two students for that class in May?")

In the event you do have a group of at least 6 students who can do so, there is a possibility of specially-scheduled 5 to 6 hour "completion classes". DCSA's facilities fees and the certification will be no more and no less than those published for "scheduled" Hunter Ed. Home Study Completion Classes above. One person from the party will be required to "coordinate" the registration after all interested parties have reviewed this web site. So, if you do have serious interest in a "non published private class" for at least 6 individuals, please have a future date (or dates, preferably weekdays) in mind and use the e-mail address shown below and/or attend an "Open House". Private class dates may be secured upon DCSA's receipt of registration forms and non-refundable payments from at least 6 students, with the addition of a few more student registrations subsequently possible (at the discretion of instructor and group's coordinator).

3. Sporadically, some "mega-desperados", particularly in rather distant locations, have used overnight delivery services for getting their required pre-registration paperwork and payment to DSCA.

Since there may often not be anyone available on site, be advised that a "Signature Required" delivery can actually DELAY pre-registration forms and payments being received - sometimes for days.

While we have no ax to grind here with other carriers, if you find yourself in a position of promptly seeking a "slot" via an overnight delivery service, the U.S. Postal Service small "Express Mail" envelope (for delivery to regular U.S. Mail box) may be the best alternative - IF you check the "Waiver of Signature" box and sign off on same. (Use address on "home page".) Our box for items sent by U.S. Mail is out by the road. If you opt for Fed-Ex, UPS, etc., try to send in the smallest envelope practical - and lots of luck on getting some of their drivers to use the black drop box in photos above ...

4. Students/parents should understand that Texas Parks and Wildlife now recognizes actually any of several "home study" options (with varied pricing). With ANY of the "home study" options, a "field day/completion course" is still required - as well as a score of at least 80% on written test.

Even with a targeted instructor-to-student ratio of 1:8, time constraints and inclusion of other topics believed to be more important (and ethical) may preclude instructor's 100% verbal coverage of answers to all questions on the "INDEPENDENT HOME STUDY" course written test.

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this rather long page. Your having done so has hopefully answered most or all of your questions. If not, please continue reading below.

Question: "I'm __ years old and have been hunting since I was a kid! Can't I just show up, take the written test, get my certificate and then leave?"

Answer: No. We do not make the laws. We simply offer classes for compliance with the laws - in conjunction with administrative and safety procedures of our own. Whether it actually takes more time or less time, Texas students are allowed 6 hours credit for their "home study". Thereafter, the "completion courses" (also known as "Field Day") require a minimum of 4 hours at a testing site, regardless of age or background (or how much you paid - or not - for any of the "online study" options).

With DCSA's mandatory safety orientation conducted at the beginning of all types of classes, new students and/or parents should arrange to be on time and plan to spend at least 5 continuous hours. This is exactly 1/2 the minimum time required in "traditional" minimum 2-day/minimum 10-hour courses. So, just think of it this way: Consider the time spent on the specified "Required Reading" pages of THIS web site a part of your "home study", IF you are seriously seeking certification via a 5-hour course at DCSA.

Answer: It is often important for some individuals to understand initially that DCSA is a private facility and, unlike a hand full of others, does not receive (or want) any monies whatsoever (or the strings attached) from Pittman-Robertson Act funds or Texas Parks & Wildlife (or Denton County). A detailed break-out of the costs is shown on both the prior page and at Facilities and Class Fees. (And no, we do not take payment for short-cuts.)

With that said, it is also important for prospective students or parents to understand that, since 1999, DCSA has cheerfully and expediently conducted far more hunter ed. "completion classes" than any other facility in the state, often becoming a "pressure relief valve" for students from across the entire region.

Question: Why does the DCSA schedule not include all of the same dates shown on Texas Parks & Wildlife's web site?

Answer: Our relatively small classes sometimes fill quickly with individuals, families or groups from cities ranging from Waco to Wiley to Wichita Falls. (A reason we suggest a "2'nd choice date" on the registration form.) In short, if a class is listed on this web site, at least one slot was available at the time of the update. However, when all available slots are filled, class dates may sometimes "disappear" completely from the DCSA web site before they can also be removed from Texas Parks & Wildlife's web site.

Those who pre-register first are assigned slots 1 through 8 (Relay #1) and generally get to leave near the posted conclusion time. Depending upon instructors' time constraints, on some dates, a few more students (possibly slots 9 through 12) may be accommodated with the original group, yet may need to stay for approximately 45 minutes after the posted conclusion time.

At instructor's discretion, on some dates, a complete second relay (slots 9 through 16) may be created - with all such students required to take a 90-minute off-site break, then return for their last 90 minutes after students in Relay #1 have left. Please see the schedule on the schedule above to see if more than one relay is noted as possible for any given date.

Question: Can you give me driving directions to get there from ____________ ?

Answer: No, absolutely not. (Unless, as a CHL holder, you opt to carry, and it remains constantly concealed). All guns and ammunition used in DCSA hunter ed. classes are provided.

Answer: The looong hunter ed. page on DCSA web site explains what to bring - and what not to bring.

Answer: No, DCSA does not take telephone reservations. Anyone answering (likely a cell phone) is not necessarily even going to be on site at the time, much less have access to the individual class files.

Answer: DCSA does not take credit or debit cards, has no fax machine and no "standard office hours" other than those shown on "Open House" page.

For those seeking a confirmed slot for any given date, there is a STRICT and SIMPLE POLICY of FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED via RECEIPT of a legibly completed registration form and pre-payment (cash, check or money order) of $46.88 per student, either

(4) in person during any scheduled Open House or any time the "Open House" sign is visible

Classes frequently fill up in advance and we may or may not be in a position to take "walk-ons". Believe it. Please do not call or e-mail requesting exception to the chaos-prevention procedures explained on these pages because you will be told: