Wildlife in Wyoming / More Wildlife / Wildlife Health

HUNTER EDUCATION

The first Hunter Education courses, originally called hunter safety, were designed over 50 years ago with the main purpose of reducing hunting accidents. Every states now has Hunter Educations courses, with over 25 million graduates since the programs were started. A decrease in hunting accidents of well over 50% show show effective these programs have been. Hunting is statistically safer than almost all other forms of recreation.

While the major purpose of Hunter Education programs is still the prevention of hunting and firearm related accidents, more and more emphasis is being placed on improving knowledge about the heritage of hunting. The importance of the young hunter developing a sense of ethics and responsibility is stressed. Both the first time and veteran hunter are encouraged to become involved in all matters related to hunting, wildlife, and the environment. Responsible, ethical behavior by hunters and personal involvement in the community will be essential to the future of wildlife and the survival of hunting.

Hunter Education courses in Wyoming are sponsored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), and by similar wildlife management agencies in other states. The major sources of funding for these agencies are from sales of hunting and fishing licenses and from federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.

In Wyoming, there are over 150 volunteer instructors, training over 5,000 graduates each year. These volunteers donate their time, ability, and effort to share their knowledge and experience with students of all ages. Without the efforts of these volunteers the Hunter Education program would not be affordable or possible.

Do you need Hunter education in Wyoming?

Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1966, needs hunter education, unless accompanied by a mentor. View General Hunting Regulation.

WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU

Both of these classes, taught primarily by volunteers, cover the same material 1) Hunter Responsibility and Ethics, 2) Wildlife Conservation and Management, 3) Firearms and Firearm Safety, 4) Game and Fish Statutes and Regulations, 5) Game Care and Wildlife Identification, and 6) Outdoor Safety. The classes also require hands on firearm handling tests as well as a written test comprised of 50 multiple choice and matching questions. You must pass the written test with a minimum score of 70%.

Traditional Classes

The traditional classroom Hunter Education course shall consist of a minimum of twelve (12) hours and a maximum of eighteen (18) hours of instruction. The eighteen hour maximum instruction may be waived when the course is offered by a school system.

Traditional classes costs a maximum of $10.00 per student. This fee helps the instructor cover classroom costs such as equipment purchases, room rentals, etc. A few courses, offered in conjunction with adult learning opportunities may have an additional fee.

Hunter Education Course Schedule

Online Classes

Online classes consist of two different learning environments, 1) completion of the online course and 2) an in person field day. The in person field day is an opportunity to review and be tested on the skills you learned online. It is typically 4 - 5 hours. The online portion of this class costs $19.50, payable directly to the vendor providing the course and a maximum of $10.00 to the instructor for course costs.

Online Course Information

What is the minimum age for taking Hunter education?

There is no minimum age for taking hunter education in Wyoming, however most material is written at a 4th grade reading level.

Led by our Volunteer Instructors

Wyoming’s hunter education program is taught primarily by volunteer instructors. Volunteers set hunter education class based on their schedule.

We are always looking for volunteers to teach Hunter Education in communities across Wyoming, if you are interested in joining the team please use these links to get started:

Volunteer Position Description
Application
Background Check Forms

Bowhunter Education

Bowhunter education classes are taught through a partnership between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Bowhunter’s of Wyoming (BOW). Volunteers with the BOW help to certify new instructors, review materials, purchase classrooms supplies, and offer bowhunter education opportunities across Wyoming.

Bowhunter Education is not required in Wyoming, but is required in several western states. You can take Bowhunter education through the traditional or online methods listed above.

If you have any questions, please contact BOW or the WGFD Hunter Education office at 307-777-4542.

Frequent Hunter Education Questions

Q. What is the minimum age for taking hunter education?

A. There is no minimum age for taking hunter education in Wyoming, however most material is written at a 4th grade reading level.

Q. What can I do to help my child get ready for hunter education?

A. For individuals who are looking to get a head start on hunter education, we recommend taking the online hunter education course. If you work through this program using the videos, interactive lessons and each chapter will help your child get a head start. If you do not take the final online test, the program can be accomplished with no extra fees.

Q. I may need special accommodations, what do I do??

A. The Game and Fish receives many requests for special accommodations each year, here are some of the most common requests. Should you need these or other accommodations please contact our office at 307-777-4542. Please allow time before your class starts.

Test reading - all of our hunter education classes will provide the opportunity to have the test read allowed for you. Please let your instructor know at the beginning of class.
Language Interpreter - spanish manuals are available for your use. Should you need one please let the HE office or your instructor know. We will make sure that one gets to you. These are mailed out of the Cheyenne office, so please give us time to mail the manual to you. We can also offer interpreters for each class where it is needed. Please contact the HE office at least 2 weeks before the class so we can make the arrangements.

Q. I cannot find a class in my area before hunting season??

A. Wyoming’s hunter education classes are offered primarily by volunteers, they schedule classes around their personal work and family schedules. Many instructors teach classes early in the year so they can hunt in the fall. Please plan accordingly to get your class completed before hunting season starts.

Q. Are there any exemptions to Wyoming’s hunter education class??

A. Wyoming Game and Fish Department offers two exemptions to hunter education in Wyoming:

Armed Forces members and certified Wyoming Peace Officers (pdf form).
The hunter mentor program allows for 1 year exemption to Wyoming’s hunter education program. Please click here to visit the website and get the online form for exemption. Participation in this program can be renewed annually.

Q. I cannot find my hunter education card on the Game and Fish website, what do I do??

A. Volunteer instructors will provide graduates with a temporary card that is good for two weeks. This allows time for all paperwork to be turned in and processed. After the two week time frame, if you cannot find your card please e-mail wgfhuntered@wyo.gov.

I cannot find my hunter education card on the website, what do I do?

Volunteer instructors will provide graduates with a temporary card that is good for two weeks. This allows time for all paperwork to be turned in and processed. After the two week time frame, if you cannot find your card please e-mail wgfhuntered@wyo.gov.

Youth Hunter Education Challenge

The challenge is a chance for youth to hone their hunting skills by shooting shotguns, .22 rifles, and archery; displaying their hunting judgment and learning wildlife identification.

Thermopolis, April 25, 2020 - Local

For more information about the Thermopolis event contact Cynthia Garbin, at 307-921-8304 or cynseer12@charter.net

Upton, June 13, 2020 - State

For more information about the Upton event, please contact Rick Rothleutner of the Upton Gun Club at (307) 281-9980

Youth Hunter Education Challenge Brochure

Youth Hunter Education Challenge Rules (2020)

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