Hunting News

Online hunter ed option for under age 18 ending

Online hunter ed option for under age 18 ending

By Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The temporary all online hunter education course option ends at midnight March 20 for those under 18 years old. The online course as a hunter education option continues for those age 18 and older.

The DNR temporarily offered the all-online option to all to help protect the public and staff from the spread of covid. Following updated guidance from state and federal health agencies, the DNR is returning to the in-person course for those under 18.

Students under 18 enrolled in the all-online course have through March 20 to complete the course. Those over age 18 may continue to utilize the online course.

Students of all ages have the following two course options available:

Internet Field Day: This allows students to complete some training online and then attend one day of training with a certified instructor. The class is for a person who has handled firearms or will be hunting with someone with more experience. During this class, there are 4 to 6 hours of firearm handling opportunities. All age groups are welcome.

Traditional Class: This is a hands-on approach, working with a certified instructor over a few days. Most students enjoy this option because they can do it in their community. It provides opportunities to handle hunting equipment, learn about safe hunting practices, shooting and other topics and feedback from instructors enhances learning. All age groups are welcome.

Hunter Education All Online Program (Ages 18+): This allows people age 18 years and older to complete all hunter education online to study and complete modules before passing a final exam to become certified. The option is for adults who have a connection/mentorship within shooting sports to help strengthen skills and lessons learned virtually.

Safety protocols for in-person classes include social distancing of 6 feet between participants. Class sizes may be capped to accommodate social distancing. Face coverings are encouraged indoors. Outdoor class instruction will occur where possible.

More than 20,000 people take hunter education courses in Wisconsin each year. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, is required to have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license, unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.

All course options, links to enroll and cost information are outlined on the DNR’s safety education webpage.

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