Spring is the best time to get hunter education
March 4, 2024 12:25:00 PM
Cheyenne – Big game application is open. If you're thinking about hunting, now is a good time to sign up for hunter education. Classes are being held across the state, and volunteers will be posting more in the coming months. To register for Hunter Education, please visit the Hunter Education website.
“If you're a new hunter, now is a good time to take a hunter education course,” said Katie Simpson, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Hunter Education Coordinator. “The sooner you apply, the better. Classes fill up quickly, so you don't want to miss your chance to complete the course before it's too late.”
Hybrid course options are also available. Hybrid courses are suitable for adults with busy schedules. To take the hybrid course, a student must be at least 10 years old. These hybrid courses require students to complete an online course and then attend a four-hour in-person field day to earn their Hunter Education Certification.
“Hunter Education strives to promote safe and ethical hunting while teaching skills to prevent hunting and firearm-related accidents,” Simpson said. “New hunters will learn about ethical hunting traditions and the role of hunters in conservation.”
Although you don't need a hunter education card to apply for a hunting license in Wyoming, you are legally required to carry it when you are in the field. Wyoming requires hunter education for all hunters born after January 1, 1966, with the exception of the military and law enforcement. Wyoming also offers a Hunter She Mentoring Program for hunters who do not yet have a hunter education certification but would like to gain some hunting experience before committing to a course. For hunters new to Wyoming or hunters who do not live in Wyoming, certifications from other states will be accepted. On-site proof is always required.
Game and Fish is always looking for qualified volunteers to teach hunter education courses and help new hunters become familiar with safety, ethics, and conservation. Interested persons must complete an instructor application form and complete a federal criminal background check before attending a new instructor workshop. The next New Instructor's Workshop will be held in Jackson April 18-20.
To register for classes, visit the Hunter Education website.
(Brianna Ball, Public Relations Officer – (breanna.ball1@wyo.gov))
-WGFD-