If you’re planning to hunt this fall and still need to complete your hunter education course, now is a good time to sign up for a hunter safety class. Classes are offered statewide, and there are 33 classes currently scheduled spanning from July through early September, with more classes expected to be posted by volunteers over the next few months.
“If you’re a new hunter, the summer is a good time to take a hunter education course,” said Rebekah Fitzgerald, Wyoming Game and Fish Department communications and outreach supervisor. “Classes can fill up quickly, so sign up well-before hunting season to be sure you can finish a course before opening day.”
Students can also 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 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. The course enhances knowledge about the tradition of hunting and focuses on hunting responsibilities,” said Fitzgerald.
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 Rebekah Fitzgerald at rebekah.fitzgerald1@wyo.gov or (307) 777-2596.
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.
