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The Muzzleloading Education Program has been designed to provide a uniform, international, fundamental muzzleloading program to assist organizations and individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for an enjoyable and safe muzzleloading experience. The program is open to all interested persons. The Instructor Program allows the volunteer to impart this knowledge to beginners and assure a proper start in muzzleloading. The Trainer Program helps all instructors develop effective teaching methods. All muzzleloading courses are taught by a team of: ** Instructors whose primary responsibility is to teach the Basic Course to both novice and the experienced shooters. ** Trainers whose primary responsibility is to train Instructors in (1) the functions and use of muzzleloading rifles, handguns, and shotguns; (2) the Education Program's policies and procedures; and (3) the instructional process. The Basic Course is an eight-to-ten-hour hands-on, live-fire course involving muzzleloading rifle, handgun, and shotgun; firearms history; familiarization and maintenance of equipment; proper procedures; and the sportsman's role in society. A score of 80% is required to successfully complete the course. The Muzzleloading Instructor Course is a hands-on, live-fire muzzleloading rifle, handgun (including revolver), and shotgun course to train instructors for the Basic Course. NMLRA membership is not required. Course participants must be of age to be in 9th grade in high school age or older. The Trainer Course is a six hour in-depth teaching techniques course. Dedicated Instructors in the rifle, handgun, and shotgun disciplines are invited to apply for the trainer course. The NMLRA Muzzleloading Education Training Program focuses on the safe and enjoyable use and operation of muzzleloading firearms and accessories. The Basic Course encompasses Muzzleloading Rifle, Muzzleloading Handgun, and Muzzleloading Shotgun. The Muzzleloading Instructor Course encompasses all types of muzzleloading firearms, and is open to everyone high school age and older, NMLRA Instructor certification is available to people who successfully complete this course. The NMLRA Muzzleloading Education Training Program is not about: conservation, competition, industry, hunting or membership. Hunter Education Courses focus on hunting and are administered by the individual North American state or provincial agencies. Volunteer instructors trained by their respective state or province teach the Hunter Education Courses. Hunter Education volunteer instructors take the NMLRA Muzzleloading Instructor Course in order to expand their knowledge and teaching skills on the safe and enjoyable use and operation of muzzleloading firearms and accessories. The following organizations use the NMLRA Muzzleloading Education Training Program: Sportsmen Club, 4-H Shooting Sports, Boy Scouts of America, Private Hunting Preserves, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Young Men's Christian Association, Girl Scouts of America Outdoor Living Skills, Royal Rangers of the Assemblies of God Church, and State and Provincial Hunter Education Departments. The Importance of the Volunteer Volunteers are doing an essential job. Volunteer instructor/trainers are needed because the sport of muzzleloading has grown tremendously and there are not enough qualified people to handle the necessary training. Volunteers bring their experiences and skills, such as * Professional teaching * Gunsmithing *Shooting specialties Volunteers are capable enthusiastic people who create local muzzleloading interest * Through people and organizations they know; * By being aware of the needs and interests of the community; * With local media contacts. Volunteers put a great deal of effort into the program and * Come with a sincere interest; * Are motivated by a desire to help others; * Share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Volunteers expand the teaching force and provide wide territorial coverage. Volunteering involves the personal satisfaction of knowing that what you are doing is important; your contributions may positively influence the attitudes and actions of future muzzleloaders and even save lives. Volunteer Contributions: Although not a direct benefit to the instructor, the Pittman-Robertson (PR) Act provides funds to your state. A Wildlife Commission can claim the time a volunteer Hunter Education Instructor spends participating in a Hunter Education activity as an in-kind contribution. When this hourly contribution is converted to dollar value, it significantly reduces the cost of the Hunter Education Program to the Commission. The Hunter Education Program is funded 75% federally, using funds collected from excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment; the remaining 25% is funded by the state Commission. The states receive federal funds from the United States Department of the Interior. Instructor A NMLRA Instructor's primary responsibility is to teach the hands-on live-fire Basic Course in muzzleloading rifle, handgun, and shotgun; firearms history; care and use of equipment; proper procedures; and the sportsman's role in society. Trainer A NMLRA Trainer's primary responsibility is to teach instructor courses. He or she must have the skills to teach and be adaptable to the varying needs of students. Trainers may also teach basic courses. Prospective Trainers must have completed the Instructor Course no more than two years prior to enrollment in a Trainer Course, or have comparative higher level alternative experience such as Hunter Education, 4-H, or NRA Instructor ratings. Skills Needed: An Instructor needs to have fundamental muzzleloading knowledge, plus the skill and attitude to conduct basic courses. A Trainer needs to know how to teach and how to recognize the differing needs of students of all ages. Participation required: Each Instructor and Trainer must participate in an annual Education Program activity. Qualifying participation includes team teaching, assisting in the teaching of a class, assisting with the live-fire practical, assisting with public specialty seminars, attending Instructor or Trainer workshops, assisting education office staff, and other approved activities. In-Service Training: Updates of materials and skills will be available to Instructors and Trainers through the NMLRA office. Muzzleloading Education materials are available to everyone. Instructors and Trainers are responsible to the NMLRA Training Committee, the NMLRA Education Council, and the NMLRA Board of Directors. For eligibility to become a NMLRA Instructor you must * Complete the NMLRA Basic Course; * Submit an instructor application with required fee; * Successfully complete the instructor course class work and live-fire practicum. To become a NMLRA Trainer you must * Complete the NMLRA Instructor Course; * Submit trainer application with required fee; * Successfully complete trainer course class work. To retain Instructor and/or Trainer Status you must * Participate in at least one class or other instructional activity per year; * Submit all required paperwork within two weeks after each activity; * Continue to exhibit proper sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and correct practices. Become a valuable NMLRA resource as a Volunteer Instructor! Muzzleloading Education materials are available to everyone! Contact the NMLRA Education Secretary Roberta Benham P.O. Box 67 Friendship, IN 47021 (812) 667-5131 ext. 224 or (800) 745-1493 ext. 224. |
