Spring a good time for Hunter Safety

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reports that if you’re thinking about hunting, now is a good time to sign up for hunter education. 

Classes are offered statewide. They are scheduled into June and according to the department, volunteers are expected to post more in the coming months. To register for hunter education visit the hunter education website. 

“If you’re a new hunter, now is a good time to take a hunter education course,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter education coordinator Katie Simpson said. “The earlier you sign up, the better. Classes fill quickly and you do not want to miss your opportunity to finish a course before it’s too late.” 

If time is a factor, a hybrid course option is available. Hybrid courses are good for those who cannot take a regular course or who want to work at their own pace. The 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 that will prevent hunting and firearm-related accidents,” Simpson said. “New hunters also will learn about the tradition of ethical hunting and their role in conservation.”

Game and Fish is often looking for qualified volunteers to teach hunter education courses and help ensure new hunters have a thorough understanding of safety, ethics and conservation. Interested parties are required to complete an instructor application packet and a federal criminal background check prior to attending a new instructor workshop. The next new instructor workshop will be May 11-13, and will be held in Pinedale. 

According to the Game and Fish, one does not need a hunter education card to apply for hunting licenses in Wyoming, but hunters are legally required to carry it with them when they are in the field. 

Hunter education is required in Wyoming for all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1966, with exemptions for military and law enforcement. Wyoming also offers a hunter mentor program for hunters who don’t yet have hunter education certification, but would like to experience a hunt before committing to the coursework. For hunters who are new to or don’t live in Wyoming, certifications from other states are permitted. Proof in the field is required at all times. 

To register for a class, visit the hunter education website.