With the first fall big game hunting season underway, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is reminding hunters that time is running out to complete mandatory hunter education courses.
“If you haven’t already completed your hunter education course, don’t delay” said Dave Whipple, WDFW hunter education section manager, in a news release. “Our fall course offerings fill quickly with people trying to certify before their chosen hunting seasons.”
WDFW offers fully in-person hunter education courses as well as hybrid courses that combine online and in-person learning. The traditional classroom course, which is typically taught over multiple evenings and includes a field portion, is highly recommended for students seeking a valuable classroom experience. The hybrid course combines successful completion of an online course followed by a field skills evaluation where students receive hands-on training and evaluation by certified instructors. WDFW discontinued its fully remote hunter education courses earlier this year.
Per Washington state law, all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course in order to buy a hunting license. A hunter education deferral is available for hunters 10 years of age and older who want to try hunting with an eligible licensed hunter before completing a hunter education course themselves. WDFW encourages potential applicants to check the deferral program requirements before applying.
To learn about hunter education and find an upcoming course, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/basic.
