Fish and Game: Take Your Hunter Education Course Early

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – If you were born after Jan. 1, 1975 and wish to hunt in Idaho, you first need to take a hunter education course.

“Take a course now if you can,” says Brenda Beckley, Idaho Department of Fish and game hunter and angler recruitment manager. “If you wait too long, you may not have the opportunity to complete a course before opening day.”

According to Fish and Game:

Students in Idaho hunter education courses learn safe firearm handling, wildlife identification, hunting regulations and the responsibilities of passing along the heritage of hunting by being an ethical hunter.

Two course options are available for beginning hunters. For those who have minimal hunting experience, the instructor-led course is considered the best option. An online course is available for those who need a more flexible option. However, this course does require students to attend an outdoor field day class that includes field exercises and an Idaho exam.

There is one other option available: the hunting passport.

The passport allows first-time hunters, resident or nonresident ages 8 or older, to try hunting for one year with a licensed adult mentor without first having to complete an Idaho hunter education course.

What’s your preference?

View a list of upcoming hunter education courses at this website; and see information about the hunting passport at this page.