Learn To Hunt, Online vs. In-Person
We’ve recently opened registration for OHEP courses in Etobicoke and we want to let you know we’re accepting registrations.
However, some of you will already know there is a a new option to complete the Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP) as an online course. Prior to the pandemic it could only be completed in-person. Unlike the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, where deactivated firearms need to be handled in-person, there isn’t a true necessity to teach hunting in-person.
The online course is obviously more cost-efficient, and for some of you we understand the consideration will stop there. But aside its cost, is it really the better choice? When you consider the details, we’re not so sure.
Full disclosure, of course we’re a little biased. How couldn’t we be? Nonetheless we’re going to try to be an objective as possible in walking you through the broad differences — and show you why the in-person variety of the courses isn’t going away any time soon.
Let’s dive deeper into the Online course:
The online course costs $60+tax and provides all the same basic training as the in-person course. However this courses is self-directed online learning, meaning you’ll complete modules at your own pace and then write an examination at the end. The system will save your progress along the way so you can work through the courses according to your schedule, making it a great option for people who are used to online learning and self-disciplined. However keep in mind it will take you a minimum of 10 hours to complete on your own. You’re unlikely to complete it yourself in one sitting. Also as a self-directed courses there’s no ability to ask questions or receive support for your particular learning style. If you run into something you don’t understand, or misunderstand, you’re on your own.
Let’s look at the In-Person course:
The cost with Range Arts is $199.99+ HST. This is one, admittedly, very long day. It’s not easy to do 10 hours of learning in single day. The upside is your highly qualified instructor is going to walk you through all the content (in our case it’s veteran educator and expert hunter, Patrick, who not only has impressive stamina for teaching to a crowd but is one of the most engaging presenters we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with).
Your instructor walks you through all the course material and administers the examination. You’ll be able to ask questions and benefit from the instructor’s knowledge and experience in real-time, because they’ll be in the room with you, guiding you. They will demonstrate skills, stress important concepts, and provide stories and anecdotes tailored to your interests. Yes, you’re paying more, for the instructor’s time, and the classroom experience, but in return you’re assured you will make it through all of the course content in just one day. At the end of that day you’ll finish your day knowing your results and reviewing anything you didn’t understand with another human. From our point of view, this is both a more efficient use of your time and a better experience, but admittedly at a higher price point.
Summary of the Online OHEP:
Price: lower
Content: same, but no experience sharing
Length: same, but will likely take you longer
Outcome: same, you’ll get your licence.
Support: none
Accessibility: from anywhere in Ontario, accessibility options
Summary of the In-Person OHEP:
Price: more
Content: same, but instructors add valuable anecdotes and experience.
Length: same, but higher chance of success in a single day of your time
Outcome: same, but your instructor will take an interest in your success whereas online you’re on your own
Support: ability to ask questions and clarify content. Plus you’ll meet other aspiring hunters
Accessibility: local to Range Arts, and probably less accessibility for vision or hearing impaired learners due to our staffing limitations
Conclusion
Of course, we’re big enough to admit we’re biased. We want you to come learn with us! But we know some of you are really tech-savvy and are going to be compelled by the online course. That’s fine. Do what’s best for you!
However we’ll share that we’re pretty tech-savvy too… knowing what we know, and assuming we had access to a course locally which could accommodate our needs, we’d still choose the in-person option on this one. It’s pricier, but it’s just a better experience. And, if we’re honest about our ability to completely self-direct our own learning, we have a better chance of success by showing up for the long day and letting Patrick guide us.
At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice. We’ll keep offering hunting courses so long as there are people who want to take them with us.
If you’re interested in upcoming hunting course dates, check our booking system using the button below.
Adirondacks Guide, 1892, Winslow Homer