Spring is a great time to take hunter education

The Wyoming Game and Fish reminds the public that big game applications are open, and if residents are thinking about hunting now is a good time to sign up for hunter education. Classes are offered statewide and volunteers are expected to post more in the next few 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.” 

For residents with busy schedules, a hybrid course option is available. Students must be at least 10 years old to take a hybrid course. These hybrid courses require students to complete an online course and then attend a 4-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 will learn about the tradition of ethical hunting and their role in conservation.”

According to Game and Fish, one does not need a hunter education card to apply for hunting licenses in Wyoming, but people 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 those 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. Game and Fish wishes to remind the public that proof in the field is required at all times. 

For those interested in teaching a hunter education course, Game and Fish is always looking for qualified volunteers to teach and help ensure new hunters have a thorough understanding of safety, ethics and conservation. Interested people need to fill out an instructor application packet and complete a federal criminal background check prior to attending a new instructor workshop. The next new instructor workshop is April 18-20, in Jackson. 

To register for a class, visit the Hunter Education website.