Hunter at sunset.
MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – A temporary change by the DNR now allows students of all ages to earn their Wisconsin hunter safety certification through an online-only course.
“Hunter education this year has just been different,” said DNR Hunter Education Administrator Jon King.
Due to the pandemic, the DNR reviewed methods for delivering hunter education. A survey of instructors showed support for exploring alternatives to the traditional in-person courses. This also comes as volunteer instructors often fall into higher-risk categories for contracting COVID-19.
Another issue – hunters like to hunt during hunting season.
“Our instructors are hunters, so they’re out hunting as well and fewer classes are offered at this time of year. So that’s part of the reason why we open up this new opportunity for Wisconsin,” King said.
The DNR says the online option addresses those concerns, as well as issues with limited public facility availability for in-person instruction, personal protective equipment requirements, shortened courses and capacity limits for in-person classes.
“This particular year we have not produced enough classes to meet the number of students to get certified on average per year,” King told WTAQ News. “It allows an extra opportunity for families that need the hunter education to get out and hunt this year, to get it accomplished before the gun deer season.”
Students of the online-only course will be required to pay the approved online vendor fee of $25 plus the $10 state-required course fee.
“It’s the same hunter education class that we’ve been using for adults it’s just that we’ve suspended the age and we’re going to allow anybody of any age to actually log on and complete that course,” King said.
But for those who still want an in-person class, they are available – although they may be more difficult to find.
“That, for many people, is the best option. To go to a class and get the hands-on experience because they’ve just never handled a firearm or don’t use them on a regular basis and need that extra help,” King said.
Additionally, the mentored hunt program is available as an option for those who have not received hunter education certification. This program, which has been available for over ten years, helps break down hunter education certification barriers for all ages.
No matter which way the course is administered or passed, King says educating hunters is important for a reason.
“Hunter education was created for the simple fact of we needed to reduce the number of hunting incidents that were happening in Wisconsin,” King said. “In 1966, we had 264 hunting accidents. In the last couple of years, we’ve been down around 20 hunting incidents.”
Those interested in hunter education can learn more on the Safety Education webpage. Additionally, interested students can enroll in the online-only hunter education here.
Those under age 18 who take the online-only course for the remainder of 2020 will not be required to complete the in-person field day.
The temporary change allowing those under age 18 to take the online-only course runs through the end of the year.
To learn more about DNR safety programs for other outdoor activities, visit the DNR’s website.
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