All on-line hunter education course available Sept. 1

Beginning in September of 2013, there will be a new opportunity for obtaining your Alabama hunter education certification – an ALL ON-LINE option. The online courses feature the best hunting safety videos available, along with interactive learning exercises and games, and comprehensive hunter education content to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and responsible hunter. The internet course providers do charge a fee for the online option.

Please note: for those students taking the online course before September 1, you will need to take the field day part of the class before AUGUST 30, or you will be required to take the online course over in order to successfully complete the course. Please call the hunter education office with any questions you may have at 334-242-3620.

Alabama’s hunter education program helps keep hunting safe and enjoyable. The program covers the skills, regulations and responsibilities of hunting, and wildlife conservation that help to secure our hunting heritage. If you were born on or after August 1, 1977, you must complete an approved hunter education program before being eligible to hunt (see exceptions below). Alabama has two hunter education options: a traditional course with a written test or an Internet course.

The traditional hunter education course is a minimum 8 hours of instruction plus a written examination. The course is taught by Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries personnel and volunteer instructors to participants 10 years of age and older and is offered free of charge. The course includes but is not limited to firearms safety and handling, responsible hunting and hunter ethics, wildlife laws, wildlife management and identification, archery, muzzleloading, first aid, survival, and game care.

INTERNET COURSE:

Prior to September 1, 2013 – Currently the online course involves a two-part program. First the student must complete an online course and then attend a field day and demonstrate skills such as loading and unloading different types of firearms, safely crossing fences, and other activities that all safe, responsible hunters should be able to complete. Students must complete another test at the field day.

After September 1, 2013 – Choose one of three online courses. The online courses feature the best hunting safety videos available, along with interactive learning excercises and games, and comprehensive hunter education content to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and responsible hunter. The internet course providers do charge a fee for the online option.

For more information, go to www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education