Georgia Offers 2013 Hunter Education Course Options

Do you need the hunter education course before dove season arrives?  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division offers three ways to make that happen:  the 10-hour traditional classroom course or an 8-hour online course followed by a 2-hour review.

“Because of the importance of the information learned in a hunter education course, our agency has made efforts to meet the needs of many users,” says Walter Lane, hunter development program manager with the Wildlife Resources Division.  “The online courses offer more scheduling flexibility as they can be done at any time of day.  And for those who prefer a traditional method, the classroom courses provide a face-to-face opportunity with instructors.”

The classroom course is free of charge.  The three available online courses each require a fee (from $9.95 – $24.95) but all are “pass or don’t pay” courses.  Fees for these courses are charged by and collected by the independent course developer.  If the online course vendor fees are an obstacle, students can obtain a CD-ROM by contacting their local DNR law enforcement office.

Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:

• purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
• is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.
• hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.

The only exceptions include any person who:

• purchases a short-term hunting license, such as the Apprentice License or the 3-day Hunting and Fishing Combo License (as opposed to a season license).
• is hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.

For more information, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/education or call 770-761-3010.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is comprised of six divisions which carryout DNR’s mission to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources. As one of six divisions within DNR, the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is charged with conserving, enhancing and promoting Georgia’s wildlife resources, including game and nongame animals, fish and protected plants. WRD is comprised of four sections – Game Management, Fisheries Management, Law Enforcement and Nongame Conservation, which regulate hunting, fishing and boat operation, protect nongame and endangered wildlife, provide conservation education and enforce laws for the protection and use of Georgia’s natural resources.