The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is returning to hunter education program in-person classroom programs and firearms vary training.
The division halted in-person training in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, folks may take coursework on-line and submit a video of themselves exhibiting the secure dealing with of firearms or archery gear. A secure dealing with demonstration is the ultimate step towards fulfilling Kentucky’s hunter education necessities.
“Submission of adult-supervised range day videos was a temporary solution established in response to the coronavirus outbreak,” mentioned Gabe Jenkins, director of the division’s Information and Education Division. “Now that we again have the ability to host in-person courses, the department is excited to return to working directly with our future hunters.”
The division is now providing in-person training at choose vary places across the state. Hunters could proceed submitting vary movies that meet certification necessities via midnight, May 1.
Hunter education is required for hunters born in 1975 or later. It isn’t required for license-exempt hunters or these born in 1974 or earlier than.
Hunters should full the classroom portion of the hunter education program prior to attending a variety day.
The classroom requirement for hunter education certification is obtainable in-person by the division or on-line via the National Rifle Association for free of charge. Participants can view and register for accessible classroom programs and vary alternatives on-line at fw.ky.gov.
For these unable to full all the necessities earlier than the beginning of spring looking seasons, the division additionally gives a free, 1-year hunter education exemption allow. This permits the allow holder to hunt for one yr with direct supervision by an grownup mentor who’s hunter-education licensed or exempted by age. The allow is nonrenewable and expires 12 months after issuance. Regulations for looking licenses and permits nonetheless apply.
View accessible programs, full necessities and call data on-line at fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Hunter-Education.aspx.
This yr, Kentucky’s youth-only spring turkey season is April 2-3, and the final statewide season runs April 16-May 8.