CHEYENNE— Carrying proof of a hunter education certification in the field while hunting is required in Wyoming for all firearm hunters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1966. However, those without hunter education still have an opportunity to apply for an exemption to go hunting this fall. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Hunter Education Temporary Exception program gives hunters who were unable to attend a hunter education course the opportunity to hunt under the close guidance of a qualified mentor. 

“This program is a great way for anyone interested in hunting, but is uncertain about committing to or couldn’t take a hunter education course this year, to have legal compliance in the field,” said Katie Simpson, Game and Fish hunter education coordinator. 

Through this program, a hunter who hasn’t taken hunter education yet, or a mentee, can hunt any species with appropriate licenses but must be at least 12 years of age to hunt big game or trophy game in Wyoming. The exemption is valid for one year from the issue date. If the hunter mentee is under 18, he or she must obtain parental/guardian permission to apply. The mentee must always carry the special authorization certificate while hunting and is responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, stamps and permits for the hunt. Hunter mentees interested in hunting this season must apply online.

A hunter mentee must be accompanied by a qualified mentor. A qualified mentor through the Wyoming Temporary Hunter Education Exception can be a friend or family member who must:  

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid hunter education certificate while in the field with the mentee.
• Possess a current and valid Wyoming hunting license while in the field with the mentee.
• Sign the mentee's special authorization certificate.
• Document the hunting license type/number on the mentee's special authorization certificate.
• Supervise only one hunter mentee at a time in the field. A family member may mentor multiple immediate family members.
• Maintain direct supervision within sight and direct voice contact of the hunter mentee at all times while in the field.

“This program is a great opportunity for new youth and adult hunters who haven’t taken hunter education to try hunting under the guidance of a safe and responsible hunter. If these hunters want to continue hunting, they can sign up for a Wyoming hunter education course, which our volunteer instructors offer from January through September.” Simpson said. 

To apply as a mentee in the Hunter Education Temporary Exception program, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website. The program applies only to hunter education requirements in Wyoming.

-WGFD-