If you’re planning to hunt this fall and still need to complete your hunter education course, sign up this summer for a hunter safety class. Classes are offered statewide, and there are more than 20 classes currently scheduled spanning from July through early September, with more classes expected to be posted by volunteer instructors before the fall.

“If you’re a new hunter, the summer is a good time to take a hunter education course,” said Justin Joiner, Wyoming Game and Fish Department communication and outreach supervisor. “The earlier you can sign up, the better. Classes can fill up quickly, so you want to be sure you can finish a course before opening day.”

People also can  sign up for online hunter education courses. These are good for those who can’t make a regular course or want to work at their own pace. Online courses require hunter education students to attend a field day to earn their hunter education certification. 

“The major purpose of hunter education is to promote safe and ethical hunting, while teaching skills that will prevent hunting and firearm-related accidents,” Joiner said. “New hunters also learn about the tradition of hunting and their responsibilities.”

Game and Fish is always looking for qualified volunteers to help teach hunter education courses. Ideal volunteers have experience hunting in Wyoming and/or in other states and are passionate about sharing hunting with the next generation. Learn more about how you can give back to the next generation of hunters by contacting Margaret Frost at margaret.frost@wyo.gov or (307) 777-4538.

Hunter education is required in Wyoming for all hunters born after 1965 with exemptions for military and law enforcement. Wyoming also offers a hunter mentor program for hunters who don’t yet have hunter safety. Learn how to enroll in the program online. For hunters who are new to or don’t live in Wyoming, certifications from other states are permitted; proof in the field is required, though.

To register for a class, visit the Hunter Education website. The website is updated as new courses are scheduled.