Introduction to Underwater Hunting and Collecting
Underwater hunting and spearfishing share many similarities to hunting on land. Armed with the correct knowledge of the local laws, safety and the proper techniques, underwater hunting can be a truly enjoyable and rewarding activity you can incorporate into your diving interests.
Education is the single most important aspect of underwater hunting. Divers must not only know about the region in which they are diving, i.e., the weather, currents, rip tides, depths and reef structures; they must also know the local seasons and restrictions for which species may be taken, the quantity that may be possessed and size limits.
Most importantly, underwater hunters take only what they need for their immediate consumption. Remember, we would like to have future generations be able to enjoy hunting beneath the surface of our waters.
By the conclusion of this course divers should be able to:
Education is the single most important aspect of underwater hunting. Divers must not only know about the region in which they are diving, i.e., the weather, currents, rip tides, depths and reef structures; they must also know the local seasons and restrictions for which species may be taken, the quantity that may be possessed and size limits.
Most importantly, underwater hunters take only what they need for their immediate consumption. Remember, we would like to have future generations be able to enjoy hunting beneath the surface of our waters.
By the conclusion of this course divers should be able to:
- List equipment needed;
- Describe how to maintain equipment;
- Select the proper gun and point for the selected game;
- Describe environmental impacts and concerns;
- Describe appropriate techniques for shooting prey;
- Describe proper collecting procedures for selected game;
- Define hazards of hunting and collecting and methods to mitigate those hazards; and
- Plan and execute a dive for hunting or collecting.