MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources today announced the temporary all-online hunter education course option will end at midnight March 20 for those younger than 18 years of age.
Hunter education students ages 18 and older will continue to have the online course as a hunter education option.
The DNR temporarily offered the all-online hunter education option to all to help protect the public and staff members from the spread of COVID-19. Following the updated guidance from state and federal health agencies, the DNR is returning to the in-person course for the younger than 18 group.
Class option timeline: Finish by March 20
Students younger than 18 enrolled in the all-online course will have through March 20 to complete the course. Those 18 and older can continue to use the online course.
Students of all ages will have the following two course options available:
- Internet Field Day:
- This training allows you to complete some of your training online and then attend one day of training with a certified instructor. This class is a good fit for a person who has handled firearms or is going to be hunting with someone who has more experience to help them build upon their hunting skills. During this class, there are 4-6 hours of firearm handling opportunities. All age groups are welcome.
- Traditional Class:
- This training offers a more hands-on approach to working with a certified instructor over a few days. Most students and families enjoy this option because they can do it in their community. This option provides students with opportunities to handle hunting equipment, learn about safe hunting practices, shooting and many other topics. In-person feedback from instructors also enhances student-learning. All age groups are welcome.
- Hunter Education All Online Program (Ages 18+):
- This training allows any person age 18 years and older to complete all hunter education online. The student spends multiple hours online studying, completing modules and passing a final exam to become certified. This option is a great fit for adults who have a connection/mentorship within the shooting sports to help establish and strengthen their skills and lessons learned virtually.
Safety protocols for in-person classes
The DNR remains firmly committed to the health and safety of recreational safety course instructors and students. The department receives the most up-to-date information and will continue to adjust course operations if conditions change.
The DNR encourages the following safety protocols for all in-person classes:
- Social distancing of 6 feet between participants.
- Class sizes may be capped to accommodate social distancing.
- Face coverings are encouraged to use indoors and/or follow local guidelines that might be in place.
- Availability and use of hand sanitizer to include sanitizing class equipment.
- Outdoor class instruction where possible.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, is required to have a hunter education certification to buy a hunting license, unless hunting under the mentored hunting law.
