Now's the Time for a Hunter Education Course

By Evin Oneale, Idaho Department of Fish and Game With online registration, signing up for a hunter education or bowhunter education course has never been easier. And this time of year, there are a number of courses to choose from. Idaho Fish and Game offers three course options for hunter education students and two options for bowhunter education students. Traditional classroom courses and internet courses are available for both, while the hunter education program also offers a home study workbook option. Regardless of which option is best for you, your first stop should be the hunter education webpage located on the Fish and Game Website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Click on the "Hunter and Bowhunter Education" box in the bottom middle of the page to access the site and learn more about course options, review course availability and even register for a course using a credit card. "We've made it easy to find the course that fits your schedule and then register for that course via the internet," Fish and Game wildlife educator Dan Papp said. Traditional Courses Traditional hunter education classroom courses remain the most popular course type and are the best choice for budding young hunters. Taught by a cadre of volunteer instructors, these classes might meet six evenings in a two-week period and are capped off by a field exercise where students put some of their newfound skills to the test. Enrollees must be at least nine years of age to participate in a traditional hunter or bowhunter education course, turning 10 within the same calendar year. Though not required, parents or guardians are encouraged to attend courses with their children and participate in the entire program. Traditional Hunter Education courses are currently being offered in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Parma and Payette, and folks are advised not to procrastinate. "Waiting to take a course until later this summer or early fall is a bad strategy," Papp said. "Course demand will be high at that time, and you might not find a seat available." Not to mention that most volunteer instructors will be hunting in the fall - not teaching courses. Instead Papp recommends students register and take a course now while demand is low and options are many. "Now and in the weeks ahead, there's a traditional course for even the busiest schedule," Papp said. "Take a look on our webpage and find the course that meets your needs." Not finding a course offering in your area right now? Check back often, as new courses are being added regularly. Speaking of volunteer instructors, the program is always looking for enthusiastic individuals willing to share their knowledge of hunting with the next generation. "Class demand is huge in this part of the state, particularly in outlying, smaller communities," Papp commented. "We welcome inquiries about the program and will be happy to answer any questions regarding the steps necessary to become a volunteer instructor." Internet Courses If you're one of those persons who simply can't make a traditional course fit a hectic schedule, an internet version is available for both hunter and bowhunter education. "This option allows persons with internet access to complete the course at their own pace," Papp said. Successful completion of this rigorous course requires some hunting knowledge and loads of discipline; as such, it is not recommended for students under 14 years of age. After completing the internet course and the online examination, students must register for and successfully complete a field day, which includes a live-fire exercise and the state hunter education examination. Internet and home-study course field days are held once each month through September. But don't wait. They fill up fast and procrastinators will lose out. Home Study Courses The last hunter education course option involves a home study workbook. Like the internet course, it is self-paced but more rigorous than the traditional instructor-led course. Students must be 9, turning 10 in the same calendar year to participate, but because of its increased level of difficulty, the home study option is not recommended for youngsters under 14 years of age. "Students have 30 days from the day they register for the home study course to complete their workbook and return it to one of our offices," Papp noted. "They can then register for one of the regularly scheduled internet and home-study field day to complete the course." Basic Requirements By state law, Idahoans born after January 1, 1975 must successfully complete a hunter education course before purchasing an Idaho hunting license or provide proof that they have held a valid hunting license in Idaho or another state. Bowhunters are encouraged to first complete a hunter education course, which they must have to buy a hunting license. "Hunter education is the foundation of the program and covers a number of topics not touched upon in a bow course," Papp said. "And since young hunters can't hunt big game until 12 years of age, it's better to take bowhunter education in the months leading up to a youngster's first bow season." Hunters who register now for the course of their choosing will have the rest of the summer to formulate their hunting plans. Anyone who needs help or advice regarding the hunter education-bowhunter education program should contact their local Fish and Game office. Evin Oneale is the regional conservation educator in the Southwest Region.