Date: 05/22/09
Contact: Martin Olson
Phone: 702-486-5127 x 3501

DON’T WAIT TO TAKE THAT HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS

If you want to go hunting in Nevada, completion of a Hunter Education course is mandatory. And though the fall hunting seasons are still a couple of months away, the Nevada Department of Wildlife doesn’t recommend waiting until the last minute to meet this requirement.

“People always seem to wait until just before the hunts begin before they start looking for Hunter Education class, but periods of highest demand are generally right before the start of a new season or the big game tag draw. These classes generally fill up fast,” said Doug Nielsen, conservation educator for NDOW. “The agency offers classes throughout the year, so there is no reason to wait until the last minute to get that Hunter Education card.”

Classes offered during the summer months tend to be less crowded and with dove and upland game season right around the corner now is a good time to complete a Hunter Education course. Hunters who missed the first tag application deadline because they didn’t have their Hunter Education card might still find opportunity in a second draw if there are leftover tags. The deadline for submitting second draw applications is July 6.

Nevada’s Hunter Education class consists of a self-study component and a minimum of eight classroom hours where students receive hands-on training. The class is $5 at the door. Students are required to complete a workbook before attending the class. The books can be picked up at NDOW offices. Students who prefer a high-tech approach can complete their pre-class work online at www.hunter-ed.com for a fee of $15. Once the online work is completed, students need to print their completion confirmation. Students must present their completed workbook or their online completion confirmation to the instructor or they will not be allowed to attend the class.

“This self-study component allows students to learn at their own speed and focus on those areas where they might need to spend a little more time before they come to class and take the exam,” Nielsen said.

After completion of the workbook and the classroom portion students must pass a written exam to receive their Hunter Education card. Students can find more information about the Hunter Education program and register for classes online at www.ndow.org.

In Nevada, any person born after January 1, 1960 must successfully complete a Hunter Education course prior to purchasing a hunting license. The card is reciprocal with other states and is valid in Canada, Mexico and South Africa.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.