It’s that time of year again: Convention season! January kicks off with the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show and Wild Sheep Foundation (Sheep Show) to name a few. This is also the time when the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) holds its annual worldwide hunting expo and convention, showcasing the many education and conservation efforts they sponsor and promote. The 2026 HSCF Convention was held in The Woodlands, Texas, approximately 30 miles north of Houston.
The mission of HSCF is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Its motto is “We Hunt We Give.” I have worked with HSCF for nearly 30 years and know its commitment to conservation and the promotion of firearm safety. I have also observed HSCF members exude the qualities of true sportsmen and women who believe in fair chase, staying true to their mission statement.
Many of the organizations that host their conventions this time of year proudly display their global initiatives. Houston Safari Club Foundation not only supports conservation programs around the world, but gives back to the local community. HSCF and its members know the importance of firearms safety, conservation programs, and youth education and outreach. HSCF Executive Director Joe Betar contacted me and wanted to offer a program at their convention that combines firearm safety and youth outreach.
Hunter Education educates the public on hunting rules and regulations, wildlife identification, ethical decision-making, and teaches the proper handling and safe use of firearms. Hunter Education is required in Texas for anyone born after Sept. 2, 1971. Hunter Education is required across North America and several other countries; certification is reciprocal and recognized across state lines and in countries where hunter education certification is required. Joe Betar, on behalf of HSCF, not only wanted to offer Hunter Education to the public, but to pay the state fee of $15 for the first 50 students who register.
Not only was this the first time a Hunter Education course was offered during the annual convention, but sponsored by HSCF. It was a huge success! The class filled up very quickly. Not wanting to turn anyone away, I opened additional seats for those who were on the waiting list, and these standbys were responsible for paying their own state fee of $15. The room was filled to capacity with eager students and their parents.
Working with this organization for so long, I knew that when HSCF decided to do something they would go all out! In addition to covering the cost of Hunter Education, HSCF provided everyone in attendance a complimentary Expo Hall Day Pass to enjoy the convention once the course ended. Each student also received a free HSCF digital membership for a year, a shooting bag, HSCF decals, and a lanyard to display their ticket and other items they collect while on the show floor. These efforts are to ensure that not only are the youth legally ready to go hunting, but they also have the resources and support to do it right!
Once the Hunter Education course was complete, the youth and their parents were issued their special gifts and headed to the convention with their free day pass. HSCF’s convention hosts guides and outfitters from around the world. Some exhibitors are local, within a few hours of The Woodlands, while others came from all corners of the world. There were guides and outfitters who came from North America, Central America, Africa and Europe.
These outfitters were there to showcase the treasures of their regions and book hunts for the upcoming season. The best part was that many of these outfitters took the time to educate the public, especially the young attendees, regarding hunting and the laws unique to their countries and regions. Not only does HSCF recognize the youth are our future hunters, the guides and outfitters attending the convention did as well.
Even though HSCF’s convention was primarily focused on hunting opportunities and exotic hunts, their commitment to the 2nd Amendment was obvious throughout the convention. Firearm safety is essential to being a responsible gun owner. This theme was found across their displays, booths, community outreach, and speakers.
NRA Hunter Education
In 1949, recognizing the need to educate and train the hunting community, the NRA partnered with the state of New York to establish the first Hunter Education program in the nation. Because of the increasing interest in hunting, in 1973 the NRA launched a new magazine dedicated to hunting: American Hunter. Continuing to recognize the growing number of hunters and the importance of reaching the younger generation to continue the hunting heritage, the NRA developed the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). YHEC is a competition where Hunter Education graduates 18 and under can compete and build upon the skills learned in their basic hunter education classes. In 1985 the first YHEC was held in Maryland. Today, YHEC competitions are held in 43 states and three Canadian provinces. No organization does more to support hunters than the National Rifle Association, and that high standard continues today.
Since the NRA spearheaded the first Hunter Safety course in 1949, developing an online Hunter Education course was the perfect next step. The NRA continues to improve its education and training, and an online course delivery method to reach the masses was needed to address a declining trend in the number of hunters. In 2017 the NRA partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and launched the free NRA Online Hunter Education Course. This course is designed to help hunters of all ages learn to be a safe and responsible hunter. This course was tailored to meet every state’s hunter education requirements. The best part? It is available FREE of charge to everyone.
Hunter Education certification is required in every state, Canada, Mexico, and several other countries; certification is recognized and reciprocal across North America and other countries who have a Hunter Education Program. In the United States, each state has a choice of administering its own state agency’s approved Hunter Education Program, using another approved online course provider, or using the NRA’s online Hunter Education Course.
States like Texas that have their own Hunter Education Program can use parts of the NRA Hunter Education course. The good thing about this is that the states that have their own program can teach their state-specific laws and in addition, use portions of the NRA’s Hunter Education Program to focus on firearm safety and responsibility. Today, the NRA free online Hunter Education Course is accepted in at least 15 states, and the number of states continues to grow.
When I teach the Texas Hunter Education course, I always let the students know the history of hunter education. Since 1949, the NRA has been steadfast in their message of responsible firearm handling, ownership, and hunting safety. I encourage my students to always review their state’s hunting rules and regulations prior to season, as well as access the free resources the NRA provides to review Hunter Education materials and ensure they will be a responsible and safe hunter.
