Thread: Mountain Safety out of firearm licence equation...

If they have legitimate concerns then they should.

So, that new CEO ditched the firearm safety program ( he might be anti hunting or anti gun?) ;so what is the mountain safety council is all about now?
Safety around tramping in nz?

You remember that excellent post the other day about the river crossing and the bridge?

Maybe that CEO has decided that complicated and risky stuff for the MSC ( i.e. Him ultimately , crossing the river...) should be avoided, and the MSC is gona be dedicated to building bridges? So bye bye firearm safety program... Let somebody take care of that shit....

Don't see the problem. Just absorb it into the clubs. Might improve the quality of the lectures.

And modernise them

The whole process is too hunting-centric

all the questions about "what would you do if hunting on private land" etc

"well I wouldn't because I'm applying for my license to shoot targets on a range so that's irrelevant"

Pretty sure I'll be called a jackass and other names again but I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing.

The current testing system (as described by several volunteers on here) is primarily based on getting the 7 rules across. I do not see how a computer based system is any worse. It WILL most likely deal with the very real issue of "instructors" providing answers (read the other thread carefully if you still think this isn't happening) and inconsistencies in content delivery.

Personally, I think that the focus on initial licensing training needs to move away from the hunting bias (some people do use firearms for things other than hunting). In terms of hunting specific training (especially the continuing issue we have with target identification), I feel strongly that those training issues need to be addressed as part of the hunting permit application process.

Originally Posted by ebf

I feel strongly that those training issues need to be addressed as part of the hunting permit application process.

DoC doesn't have the resources for that and is also pretty keen on making hunting access as easy as possible for free "pest" control so that's not likely

The 7 rules are pretty redundant. There's really like 2.

Don't put your finger on the trigger unless you want it to go bang.
Don't point it at things you don't want to shoot.

e: I doubt I could name all "seven rules" if pressed. It's bollocks

Originally Posted by ebf

I do not see how a computer based system is any worse. It WILL most likely deal with the very real issue of "instructors" providing answers (read the other thread carefully if you still think this isn't happening) and inconsistencies in content delivery.

The problem with an online test would be you could get anyone to sit it for you, Re some instructors helping, I think it's not so much about providing the answers to them but ensuring they understand the rules, etc. you don't want someone passing but only understanding 80% of the content?

If the licensing course was expanded & a practical module put in then there would be a cost which would have to be passed on, are people happy to pay $500... Then it could only be held where there are ranges, etc that would disadvantage a lot of rural folk, shift workers etc

It will come down to an online course of information but you will have to sit a multi choice test at a police station under supervision, just like the drivers licence. Can't see it ever having a practical component.
The main reason of the hunting emphasis in the old lectures is because that is where most people get shot.

Don't see why some established, reputable clubs can't be accredited training institutions.

E.g. pass test, go to <nearest club> for proficiency instruction / test. Any new shooter would be surrounded by experienced shooters, likely in multiple disciplines and would also probably increase club membership and help to promote shooting as a sport.

Competitive rifle shooting is I believe, the oldest organised sport in New Zealand. It's not only the tradition which is worthy of being maintained, it also promotes other desirable character traits such as responsibility, self discipline, and attention to detail. The camaraderie is pretty cool too.

So why do we need a licence that's renewed every 10 yrs? Explain it again?

Originally Posted by Maca49

So why do we need a licence that's renewed every 10 yrs? Explain it again?

People can change a lot in ten years, I have to think that it's a good thing that people have to renew it

My appearance changed so much between 16 and 26 that the photo on my license was not really obviously me... that'd be one reason.

Because the theory is you might go bat shit crazy in ten years. Problem is you could go bat shit in 5 years or a few months after getting your license.