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Free hunter safety classes offered by Fish and Wildlife Conservation

By Tony Young Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Posted 7/17/19

“Taking a hunter safety class is one of the best things someone can do to have a safe and enjoyable time hunting,” said Bill Cline, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hunter safety …

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Free hunter safety classes offered by Fish and Wildlife Conservation


Posted

“Taking a hunter safety class is one of the best things someone can do to have a safe and enjoyable time hunting,” said Bill Cline, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hunter safety and public shooting range section leader. “Hunter safety courses are designed to equip hunters with techniques to keep themselves and others safe outdoors. Even the most experienced hunters will learn something, which will help them become better, safer hunters and mentors.”

And if you’re younger than 44, a hunter safety class is required by law.

Students can take a hunter safety course for free. The FWC offers traditional classroom courses at no cost. Students also can complete the classroom portion by taking an FWC-approved online course, including one that’s free. After the online classroom portion is complete, students must sign up and attend a free field day. This no-cost training is available thanks to certified volunteer instructors and funding from the Wildlife Restoration program. The WR program provides federal grant funds to agencies such as the FWC to support wildlife conservation, research, access to public lands, shooting range development and hunter safety education. The program is funded by the sporting arms and archery industries, and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities.

Anyone born after May 31, 1975, is required to complete a state certified hunter safety class before they can buy the type of hunting license that allows them to legally hunt unsupervised in Florida. Even if you were born before then and are exempt, it’s still a good idea to take the course because you’ll learn so much. While safety is an integral part of the course, students also learn about wildlife conservation, and hunter ethics and responsibilities.

“These classes will make you aware of Florida’s hunting laws, which is especially helpful if you are new to our state,” Cline said. “Or if you just relocated from another town, the classes are a great way to meet other hunters. You can make some new hunting buddies or maybe even get a line on a great hunt club that’s looking for new members.”

If you haven’t completed the state’s hunter safety course requirement, summer is the perfect time to sign up. You can register for a hunter safety class by going to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by contacting your nearest FWC regional office.

Youth who are already into hunting are encouraged to take a hunter safety class before they turn 16. If you have a younger son or daughter, the Junior Hunter Safety Program is a way for parents and educators to introduce youth to hunting safety.

To accommodate busy schedules and different learning styles, the FWC offers the following hunter safety course formats.

More than 90-percent of students choose to take an online hunter safety course and then complete an in-person field day.

Before beginning the online training, you’ll need to register to attend a field day. Field days are led by volunteer hunter safety instructors who teach hunting laws and regulations; hunter ethics and responsibility; safe firearms handling; clearing, matching, loading and unloading firearms; safe and effective shot placement; and marksmanship. This day takes between four and six hours to complete and wraps up with a test. You need to score 80-percent or higher to successfully complete the course.

For those who prefer learning in a classroom setting, traditional hunter safety courses are offered by volunteer instructors, and you can find when the next one will be offered near you by going to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety.

“Hunter safety is about educating hunters, so we can continue the heritage of hunting in Florida by developing safe, responsible, knowledgeable and informed hunters and shooters,” Cline said.

Register to take a hunter safety class today so you can purchase your Florida hunting license and get ready for the 2019-20 hunting season!