It is still 2016, so a hunter’s thoughts are probably not on the 2017 fall deer hunt right now. However, winter is the perfect time to get you or your favorite outdoor buddy into hunter and bowhunter education classes.
All individuals born after Jan. 1, 1975, must complete a hunter education course to purchase an Idaho hunting license or show proof of a previously held valid hunting license in Idaho or another state. Hunters of any age cannot participate in an archery-only hunting season in Idaho unless they have successfully completed bowhunter’s education or can demonstrate they have bowhunted in another state.
If you know of someone who wants to hunt next fall, or maybe even next spring, there is no better time to sign up for classes than the new year.
To register, go to idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/education. There you will find classes and field days that are currently open. You’ll also find information about the types of hunter or bowhunter education classes that fit you or your “hunter-to-be” the best.
Don’t see a class or field day that works for you? Maybe there isn’t a class listed in your area yet. Just wait. Instructors are sending us their schedules even as you are reading this. So check back frequently to see what is being added to Fish and Game’s hunter ed class list.
Many people, especially youths, thrive in an instructor-led class format where information is shared by an experienced, certified hunter-education instructor and questions can be asked by students. These classes also incorporate a field day and sometimes even a live-fire range experience that can be really fun and educational for everyone. At a cost of $8 for the course, the instructor-led class is a real bargain.
Other people can’t quite mesh their busy schedules with available classes and find it more convenient to take the online course. The link for the online course option for both hunter and bowhunter students is on our Hunter Education webpage.
Each course costs approximately $25, and a field day is still required at an additional cost of $8. There will be numerous field days offered throughout the year in the southeast region, starting with eight in Pocatello in January and February.
Online courses are not recommended for individuals younger than 14 because of the level of difficulty associated with the courses; however, that is left to the discretion of the parent and student.
Another option for those who wish to work at their own pace is the independent study workbook. Just head to your nearest Fish and Game office, where you can purchase your Hunter or Bowhunter Education workbook for $8. Upon its completion, you must register for a field day (at no additional cost) to complete your certification.
Those who complete their coursework online or through the workbook option can register for their field days on our Hunter Education webpage at idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/education.
If the instructor-led class or the field day you want is full, it can’t hurt to show up anyway. Many times, registered students fail to show up to a class or field day, and there is space available. Most instructors are able to take walk-ins.
If you don’t have access to the internet or just need help registering, Fish and Game staff would be happy to answer questions over the phone at 208-232-4703. Or feel free to stop by the office at 1345 Barton Road for assistance.
Make it your New Year’s resolution to sign up early for Hunter Education in 2017. Classes and field days will be added throughout the year, so check the Hunter Education webpage frequently.
Just don’t count on taking a class in September or October, as classes during that time are limited in number. Our volunteer instructors like to spend time in the great outdoors like all of us, especially during hunting season.
Jennifer Jackson is the regional conservation educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.
