CHEYENNE — For anyone planning on hunting this year, now is the time to complete your required hunter education course. Classes will be offered in multiple formats throughout the coming months.
While a hunter education card is not required to apply for hunting licenses in Wyoming, it is a legal requirement to carry in the field for all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1966, with hunter education exemptions for military and law enforcement personnel. Once completed, certification is valid for life. For new residents or out-of-state hunters, certifications from other states are permitted. Proof in the field is required at all times, and violators are subject to citations.
“Not only is it a legal requirement, but hunter education helps promote safe and ethical hunting while teaching skills that will prevent accidents,” said Katie Simpson, Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter education coordinator. “It’s an important way for our new hunters to learn about being a safe, responsible and ethical hunter in Wyoming, as well as the important role hunting plays in wildlife conservation.”
Hybrid course and traditional in-person course options are available. Traditional hunter education courses are more readily available and involve 12-15 hours of in-person instruction. Hybrid courses are better for adults with busy schedules. Students must be at least 10 years old to take a hybrid course. Hybrid courses require students to complete an online course and then attend a 4-hour, in-person Internet Completion Course to earn their hunter education certification.
“Now is a great time for all new hunters to take a hunter education course and fulfill that requirement before they head out to the field,” Simpson said. “Space is limited and classes fill up quickly, so the sooner you get registered, the sooner you can ensure you are set to go for hunting season.”
Game and Fish is always looking for qualified volunteer instructors to teach hunter education courses and help ensure new hunters have a thorough understanding of safety, ethics and conservation. Learn more about becoming a hunter instructor and fill out our application packet to get started today. All applicants must complete a federal criminal background check prior to attending a new instructor workshop. The next new instructor workshop is April 17-19 in Casper.
