Facilities and Class Fees

Directions to DCSA

Hunter Education Course Frequently Asked Questions & Study Links

Handgun Safety, Operation and Marksmanship 101

Concealed Handgun License Courses

Open House/Orientation Schedule/Appointments

Freedom Plans: Practice!

Rental Handguns

Range Reservations

Registration Form for All Non-Hunter Ed. Classes

Serious Humor

Flower Mound

Hunter Education "Home Study Completion"  (a.k.a. "Field Day")

"Home Study" students who are contemplating the OPTION of a "Field Day" at DCSA should consider

READING THIS PAGE AND AT LEAST THE FIRST LINK BELOW A MANDATORY PART OF THE HOME STUDY FOR ALL REGISTERING STUDENTS

over 14 & especially parents of students under 18. 

Be sure to see Directions to DCSA regarding Copper Canyon Road closure and detour.

If, as a "HOME STUDY" student (or parent/guardian of any student under 18), you "Do not have time" (approximately 30 minutes) to read at least the balance of this page plus the Directions to DCSA page, please click now on the little "X" in the upper right hand corner or your screen.

Beyond that, welcome!

Later, we hope to help you learn a little (possibly a lot) - and have some fun doing it!

Pre-registration possible 24/7 via EVENTBRITE software below - with "ticket" confirmations e-mailed promptly.

"Field Day" class completions day or night, rain or shine.

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

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 listed on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) web site get a one day credit for that "home study" that can be applied to 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's private facilities typically requires 5 continuous hours. Especially during the winter and spring months when class sizes begin to get smaller, some classes may be completed in 4 hours, but students (and parents) should generally plan for the hours stated on the schedule below.

A variation from (incomplete) text regarding possible total costs on Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's (TPWD) website is detailed in the text that follows here.

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 the "Directions to DCSA page on this web site.

2.  Consider whether or not to do "On-Line Course" at

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy/index.phtml

OR

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

3.  Pre-register for a class 

via the EVENTBRITE link immediately following the schedule shown below 

OR  

via snail mail, our drop box or an Open House.

Please do not register yourself, your spouse, your child, or a friend for a class unless everyone can make time to 

(A.) READ at least all of this page, 

(B.) Study for approximately 6 hours in advance, and 

(C) Attend ALL scheduled hours in a timely manner.

BE SURE to see Directions to DCSA regarding Copper Canyon Road detour!

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 OR the cost is $15 for current DCSA members.

Current DCSA members can send an e-mail to dcsa1996@yahoo.com to request the discount code for the EVENTBRITE site to receive a discount of $31.88. Please include your name and date of orientation (within the past 12 months) OR current Freedom Plan Member number and expiration date (on back of membership card). 

* 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.)  

"Field day" courses at DCSA are an option for certification. We have no financial affiliation whatsoever with any of the on-line hunter ed. course providers that have a fee for their option. Students who have already paid one of them "x-amount" before reading the text above should not call or e-mail us requesting exemption from the pricing explained in this section (and also quite clearly stated from the get-go on our 972-949-4180 information line).

IF you purchased the "$10 deferral" in conjunction with the current season (valid through August 31) hunting license, you may bring it or a clean photocopy of it with you to class for a $5 payment.

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

Students who obtain an EVENTBRITE "ticket" (including a convenience fee of +$2.16) with an e-mailed confirmation get absolute first priority on available slots. 

First-time participants who pre-register via this method can expect a total cost charged to their credit or debit card or PayPal account of $49.04 per student. 

The EVENTBRITE software will stop accepting registrations when any specific class date is full.

Students who need or prefer to register manually (instead of using a debit or credit card  via PayPal tied to Eventbrite software below) should see options described in the section at the very bottom of this page.

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 the sooner-the-better is strongly suggested, especially from August through December.

Scheduled Courses: 

The classes on the schedule shown below may or may not be removed at any time before the scheduled start time. During some seasons, previously posted classes may "disappear" from this web site before the Texas Parks and Wildlife web page can be updated.  

The schedule below is updated as frequently as practical, yet it may be sporadic. No one is consistently in the office tell callers how many slots remain for a given class. Even if there is someone in the office, there is no way we can accurately predict if or when a class will fill or not.  (Others could very well be using EVENTBRITE and receiving a confirming e-mail "ticket" right now.)

The EVENTBRITE software will stop accepting registrations when any given class has reached capacity.

Thereafter, classes will be deleted from this website and the TPWD website as soon as practical. (Actual student capacity varies based upon the number of instructors available and/or scheduled sit-in parents). 

If a class date IS removed from the TPWD website, this DCSA website OR if the EVENTBRITE software does not accept your attempt to pre-register, please do not show up as a "walk on" and expect to get in!

Calls and e-mails may go to someone's cell phone or computer not on site and they will likely not be able to tell you any more than what is on this website. With that said, the schedule is as follows (and more "Required Reading" follows):

Saturday, Feb. 18 - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sunday., March 4 - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

BE SURE to see Directions to DCSA regarding Copper Canyon Road detour!

Wednesday, March 14 - 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 29 - 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 1 - 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Monday, April 2 - 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Additional dates pending.

Note: Some people may need to use the scroll bar on the right to see the bottom of the Eventbrite screen.

Note: Some people may need to use the scroll bar on the right to see the bottom of the Eventbrite screen.

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

With at least 24 hours notice to dcsa1996@yahoo.com,  pre-registration payments are refundable (less PayPal fees, if applicable) and students have an option to re-register later for a subsequent class. However, without at least 24 hours e-mailed notice to dcsa1996@yahoo.com, students should consider their pre-payment forfeited. 

Students with short-notice cancellations or "no shows" seeking a slot in a subsequent class can purchase another "ticket" via EVENTBRITE or complete another manual registration form and re-submit with another payment. Once an e-mail "ticket" has been issued by Eventbrite or once a slot number has been assigned to a student who registers manually, "no show" students or those with short-notice cancellations should not call, e-mail or show up expecting to get into a subsequent class without following the procedure stated in the prior sentence.

4.  Study at home via the any one of the links at

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/online.phtml

Of the various options, we suggest the first one (It's free - and is more Texas specific, especially quiz #8). Bring to class as many of your completed "quiz results" as you can get to print - OR the "certificate" or "voucher" if using one of the other options.

With the suggested 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 a significant amount of time on the computer, 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 continuous hours.

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 "walk on" or "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 (or lack of; see photo below) and a "hunter skills" trail.

Each student (with exceptions given below) is also required to complete a brief  live-fire exercise. Students should not bring any of their own rifles or shotguns. Only 2 students at a time will be on the firing line operating rifles (normally scoped Ruger 10/22s) and ammunition provided (as well as eye and ear protection).

As result of a "feel good law" change by the 2011 Texas Legislature, active duty U.S. military people, retired veterans or any honorably discharged veterans can be exempt from the live-fire exercise only. In the rare event that anyone does choose to exercise this option, please be prepared to present your current military ID or a clean photocopy of a DD-214, including the page that indicates "honorable discharge."

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: Child Liability Release/Associate Membership Info. form (either in advance to send with the student or at class).

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 100+ degree days, rain, sleet, snow and/or brutal north winds, we carry on with classes as scheduled, 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 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 (1) upon arrival in conjunction with written proof of the home study, (2) at an "open house", (3) if taken in advance and returned before or (4) during the 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 of students under 18 are quite welcome to attend at no charge, but are required to complete the applicable Eventbrite registration form to be insured of having a seat.

Spouses, spouses-to-be, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. who are already hunter ed.-certified yet would like to attend should complete a normal Eventbrite registration form to reserve a seat and will be given a $15 refund at some point during the class. 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.

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.

 * FOOTNOTES

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 40 to 80 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 40 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 ... 

So, for a preview of a topic emphasized in class: "Know before you go!"

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?")

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Private Group Classes

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 try to attend an "Open House" or e-mail details to dcsa1996@yahoo.com. 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).

For more photos, see http://www.facebook.com/dentoncountysports?sk=wall

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: "I'm 50 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. 

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Question: Can I just call to reserve a slot? Or just show up?

Answer:  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.

Classes frequently fill up quickly 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:

  "To pre-register for a class, simply FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS at Hunter Education Course Frequently Asked Questions & Study Links

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Question: What do I need to bring?

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

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Question: Why is the total cost of the class $46.88?  Or $49.04? 

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 Hunter Ed. class 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. 

Online registration options were added in July of 2011 with a "convenience fee" of $2.16 per student going to Eventbrite and their affiliates.

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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. 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.

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

Answer: Please see the "Required Reading" page: Directions to DCSA 

----------------------------------------------------

Question: Do I need to bring a gun?

Answer:  No, absolutely not. (Unless, as a CHL holder and you opt to carry, and the handgun remains constantly concealed).

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For additional information, see

General Information

Facilities & Class Fees

Directions to DCSA

Thank you.

return to main: www.dentoncountysports.com

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This section, including the next 3 photographs, is ONLY for those students who may need to register manually (in person, via drop box or by snail mail).

A DCSA manual registration form can be completed and delivered to DCSA with payment by cash, check or money order during or prior to any scheduled Open House period. 

Manual registration forms that are mailed to DCSA or placed in the drop box may sometimes be merged in small "batches" with the more common electronic reservations only just prior to scheduled Open House periods.   

If anyone does plan to use a courier (Fed-Ex, USPS next day, etc.), the package should NOT be sent "signature required" as frequently there is no one around and such may actually result in considerable delay and/or the package being returned to sender. 

Students who have used a manual registration form and are not present at an Open House will be called or e-mailed with confirmations not later than 24 hours AFTER the next scheduled Open House. Students using the snail mail or drop box registration options should not call or e-mail DCSA to inquire on their status prior to that, since instructors may not even be on site until just before Open House periods. Bottom line: Best to register electronically, or, if manually, in advance of dates shown at Open House.

Individuals ("walk ons") planning to attend an Open House to pre-register for a class later on the same day are encouraged to place a registration form and proper payment in the drop box below. (Upon arrival, instructors start at the bottom and work up, thus eliminating any controversy over who arrived first.) 

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

IF the "Open House" sign is IS displayed (per photo above), please feel free to come on into the classroom. 

However, IF the "Open House" sign is not displayed (per photo below), please simply use the drop box and do not disturb a class in progress.