Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP)
What is STEP?
The STEP program offers
a broad range of
learning opportunities
for beginners as well as
experienced hunters with
special emphasis on
teaching basic
wing-shooting techniques
and fundamentals. The
program projects a
positive image toward
hunting and general
acceptance of
responsible gun
ownership. Another
important purpose for
the program is the
recruitment of new
hunters for future
interest in wildlife
conservation and outdoor
activities. In addition,
the program exposes
participants to the use
of nontoxic shot to
develop hunter
confidence in lead-free
shot shell alternatives.
History and Accomplishments
The Department started the STEP program in 1995. Department personnel were provided training through the Cooperative North American Shotgun Education Program (CONSEP). CONSEP’s ballistic consultant has conducted several workshops and lectures in Oklahoma for department personnel and the general public and continues to provide technical data to the program as it becomes available.
The STEP program
conducts about 100
programs per year. These
programs provide
wing-shooting
opportunities to
approximately 9,000
participants. Youth
(<18) comprise about 63%
while females make up
25% of the participants.
Goals and
Objectives
The STEP program goals
and objectives
include:
Recruiting hunters.
Providing wing shooting
opportunities to the
public.
Improving hunters'
wing-shooting and
hunting skills.
Educating hunters to
nontoxic shot shell
technology.
Providing shooting
experience to Hunter
Education course
students.
Promoting safe gun
handling
1. Hunter recruitment and public shooting opportunities – The recruitment of new hunters is accomplished by presenting programs and providing wing-shooting opportunities to various groups that traditionally have little or no exposure to these activities. Such groups include women’s organizations, youth groups and school groups as well as other events where the general public is in attendance. These open public events provide wing-shooting exposure to many newcomers who have never tried shotgun shooting.
2.
Improving hunter skills – Improving hunter skills is accomplished by
presenting:
Wing Shooting Workshop – These workshops are acceptable to any group regardless of skill level. Participants are exposed to shotgun wing-shooting fundamentals and techniques by department instructors. The workshops also provide an opportunity to experience shooting nontoxic shot in an effort to dispel misconceptions surrounding its use.
Hunter Skills Workshop – These workshops address hunter skills and education in an effort to improve hunter efficiency. It takes participants, from any skill level, through various exercises that enable them to evaluate their personal wing shooting skill, assess their range estimation skill and measure their equipment (gun/choke/load) selection and performance.
3. Hunter Education classes – The STEP program provides instructors, equipment and supplies to Hunter Education courses. This assistance allows for live-fire exercises as part of the course.
Expected Benefits
The STEP program assists
in fulfilling the
department’s mission by:
Promoting responsible
hunter behavior.
Improving hunter image
to non- hunting public.
Increasing acceptance of
nontoxic shot.
Continuing hunting
tradition/heritage.
Ensuring continued
funding sources for
wildlife program
The STEP program has numerous trailers located state wide with over 100 certified instructors capable of setting up quality shooting courses. If you are interested in a free seminar offered by the Wildlife Department please contact us at (918) 299-2334 or (918) 230-0530. Workshops are very popular and the calendar fills early. So schedule early. You will need to be able to provide an area or facility adequate for safe shooting.