Hunter Education Class Sign-up Day

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha and the certified hunter education instructors invite all individuals interested in hunter and firearm safety to enroll in Wisconsin hunter education courses being offered in Sturgeon Bay. Those taking the hunter education course will also have the option of taking an add-on bow hunter education course. Classes begin in March. The cost is $10 per student.

In-person enrollment is Feb. 2, 10 am – 2 pm at Howie’s Tackle, 1309 Green Bay Road, Sturgeon Bay. Online registration will be available after the in-person sign-up is complete. To enroll online, visit dnr.wi.gov and type “Hunter Safety” in the keyword search box.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have completed a hunter education course and show the certificate to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin unless they will be hunting under the hunting mentorship program. A young person who completes the hunter education course and receives a certificate is eligible to hunt and use legal rifles and shotguns without supervision beginning at age 14 and eligible to participate in these same activities with supervision at age 12.

Anyone of any age can take the class. However, students are encouraged to wait until they turn 12 within six months of completion of the course. Students with special needs must contact the instructor at least two weeks in advance of the course to request special accommodations.

Hunter education graduates receive a certificate that is accepted in every state, Canadian province and Mexico. For Wisconsin residents, a first-time graduate may use the Wisconsin Hunter Education certificate in lieu of a small game hunting license from the date of issuance until March 31 of the following year.