The whitetail deer is the most sought after game animal in North America. It is also, at the present time, the most widespread deer in the world. Thirty subspecies of the animal are recognized in North and Central America and another eight subspecies in South America. The population of the animals in North America has been estimated at 20 to 25 million. The fact that nearly 11 million hunters pursue them every fall makes them the most popular game in the United States.
Because of the abundance of whitetail deer and the popularity of hunting them, regulation and education have developed to ensure the safety and continuation of the sport. As far back as 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act, also known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, was signed into law. It provided funding to buy hunting land, manage wildlife populations, and pay for hunter education programs through a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. At present, 49 U.S. states and all the Canadian provinces have requirements for hunter education courses. Successful completion of the course in one state allows the purchase of a hunting license in the other states and Canada. However, some states do require additional education for hunting with archery, handguns, or muzzleloading equipment.
Because of the abundance of whitetail deer and the popularity of hunting them, regulation and education have developed to ensure the safety and continuation of the sport. As far back as 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act, also known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, was signed into law. It provided funding to buy hunting land, manage wildlife populations, and pay for hunter education programs through a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. At present, 49 U.S. states and all the Canadian provinces have requirements for hunter education courses. Successful completion of the course in one state allows the purchase of a hunting license in the other states and Canada. However, some states do require additional education for hunting with archery, handguns, or muzzleloading equipment.
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