There’s still time, sign up for hunter education

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) hunter education classes are available now. WDFW schedules classes statewide, and about one-third are already full. Hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 must show proof of completion of hunter education before buying their first Washington hunting license.

"Summer is a great time to enroll in hunter education class because as fall hunting seasons draw near, seats in these courses fill quickly," said David Whipple, WDFW hunter education division manager. “Beat the fall rush and sign up today, especially before school and related activities begin.”

WDFW offers both traditional and online options to complete the hunter education requirement. The traditional classroom experience includes direct person-to-person instruction from certified volunteer instructors. This format can be beneficial to younger students, as well as those seeking more time with our highly qualified and passionate instructors, who are available to answer questions in real-time.

The online course offers the same content, but with the convenience of meeting a student's schedule. Students who take the online course are required to complete an in-person field skills evaluation led by certified instructors. As hunting season approaches, field skills evaluation classes can fill very quickly.

To learn about hunter education requirements or find a course, new hunters should visit the WDFW hunter education webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/basic.

Washington honors all 50 states hunter education certifications. Those who are unable to complete a hunter education course before the fall hunting seasons may qualify for a hunter education deferral. For more information on the deferral, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/deferral-program.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.