Spring Hunter Education Classes Are In High Demand Across Montana

Spring is approaching, and so is the rush for hunter safety classes — a must for anyone wanting to hit the trails this season.

WHO NEEDS HUNTER EDUCATION?

To purchase or apply for a Montana hunting license, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education course issued by Montana, any other state, or any Canadian province.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that If you, or future hunters in your household, are in need of checking the education box before heading afield, Montana FWP has plenty of spring options lined up. From in-person classes to online shortcuts (with a field day twist), here’s the lowdown.

Please Note: They strongly encourage students to register for a class or field day as soon as possible as most classes and field days are complete by the end of September.

These free courses are offered throughout the year across the state for anyone 10 and older. Instructor-led hunter education courses provide new hunters with a hands-on learning experience and can be particularly beneficial for people who have minimal experience in the field or handling firearms.

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AGES AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Hunter education courses cover basic information and skills related to the safe handling of firearms as well as basic instruction in wildlife management, game identification, landowner/hunter relations, hunter ethics, and Montana hunting laws and regulations. 

Students age 10 to 11 can take the in-person course and hunt as an Apprentice, but will not be fully certified until the year they turn 12. Students who choose to take the in-person course must attend all classroom sessions, a field day, and pass a final exam.

In-person courses are led by volunteer instructors who are passionate about preserving Montana’s hunting tradition, teaching firearm safety, ethics, and other outdoor skills.

HERE'S A FEW DATES SCHEDULED IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Missoula FWP Office: February 16, 17, 18, 19 - 6:00-9:00 pm.

Bonner Elementary School: March 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 - 6:00-8:30 pm.

Stevensville Three Mile Community Center: March 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 20 - 6:30-8:00 pm. And also March 21, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.

Noxon High School: February 24, 25, 26, 27 - 5:30-8:00 pm.

There is so much to consume about what is being taught, age requirements, in-person compared to online courses and lots more. If you didn't see what you were looking for here, check out Montana FWP's complete Hunter Education Guidelines here.