Antigo Times

Top Menu

  • E-Editions
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • News
    • Business
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Courts
  • Arts & Ent
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
  • Classifieds
  • Obits
  • Video
  • Best of 2020
  • Class of 2020
  • E-Editions
  • Contact Us

logo

Antigo Times

  • News
    • Business
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Courts
  • Arts & Ent
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
  • Classifieds
  • Obits
  • Video
  • Best of 2020
  • Class of 2020
DNRDNRNews
Home›News›DNR›State Hunter Education Now Available Online For All Ages

State Hunter Education Now Available Online For All Ages

By Antigo Times
October 15, 2020
640
0

Temporary Change Pivotal For Those Under Age 18

FROM THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

MADISON, Wis. – As of Oct. 15, students of all ages can earn their Wisconsin hunter education safety certification through a single, online-only hunter education course under a temporary change approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The temporary change allows those under age 18 to take the online-only course from Oct.15 through Dec. 31, 2020.Those interested in taking the online-only course who are over 18 years of age may continue to do so.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DNR reviewed the available methods for delivering hunter education. A survey of volunteer instructors showed support for exploring alternatives to the traditional in-person hunter education course.

Hunter education volunteer instructors often fall into higher-risk categories for contracting COVID-19. The online option addresses these concerns as well as issues with limited public facility availability for in-person instruction, personal protective equipment requirements, shortened courses and capacity limits for in-person classes.

“The temporary online-only certification option will provide additional hunter education opportunities to all customers affected by COVID-19,” DNR hunter education administrator Jon King said. “The online option aligns our program with many hunter education programs in other states, which are facing the same challenges with their hunter education programs.”

Students of the online-only course will be required to pay the approved online vendor fee plus the $10 state-required course fee.

Those interested in hunter education can learn more on the Safety Education webpage. Additionally, interested students can enroll in the online-only hunter education here.

Those under age 18 who take the online-only course for the remainder of 2020 will not be required to complete the in-person field day.

Traditional Hunter Ed And Mentor Courses Still Available

Traditional hunter education courses involving in-person instruction will remain available thanks to the dedication of volunteer instructors. A blended hunter education course coupling the online course with the required in-person field day will also be available.

“Last year, there were more than 750 traditional hunter education classes held statewide, in every county,” King said. “We prefer the hands-on course with our outstanding volunteer instructors, who play a pivotal role in keeping hunting safe in Wisconsin. However, health and safety is our top priority.”

“Our instructor group talked about holding an in-person hunter education class this year, but the logistics of keeping everyone safe were tough,” said Jim Wipperfurth, a Sauk County hunter education instructor since 2010. “In light of COVID, online hunter education is the best opportunity to get certified.”

Additionally, the mentored hunt program is available as an option for those who have not received hunter education certification. This program, which has been available for over ten years, helps break down hunter education certification barriers for all ages.

Anyone can obtain a mentored-only hunting license and hunt without first completing a hunter education course through mentored hunting. They must be accompanied by a licensed hunter (mentor), hunt within arm’s reach of the mentor and follow other rules. This one-on-one mentoring opportunity gives first-time hunters a chance to try hunting and enables veteran hunters to pass on their passion for the outdoors.

To learn more about DNR safety programs for other outdoor activities, visit the DNR’s website.

Previous Article

William (Billy) Glen Falk II, 58

Next Article

Tom Spencer, 75

Related articles More from author

  • HealthNews

    Keeping Our Blood Supply Safe Amid Zika Virus Outbreak

    February 8, 2016
    By Antigo Times
  • DOTNews

    Wisconsin DMVs Resume Normal Business Hours

    January 30, 2019
    By Antigo Times
  • News

    Experience Works, Inc. Celebrates 50th Anniversary

    January 16, 2015
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • News

    Langlade County Water & Land Use Planning Committee Agenda

    November 30, 2015
    By Antigo Times
  • BusinessLocal InterestNews

    United Social Media Marketing Ribbon Cutting

    November 11, 2019
    By Lyn Gore
  • Local InterestNews

    Birth Announcement for 1/29/18

    January 25, 2018
    By Antigo Times

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Timeline

  • January 25, 2021

    Antigo Wrestling Finishes Regular Season with Third Place Finish at GNC Conference Tournament

  • January 25, 2021

    Antigo High School Bowling Team Results from 1/24/21

  • January 25, 2021

    Alzheimer’s Association Webinar/Phone Family Caregiver Education Programs for February

  • January 25, 2021

    Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Teleconference/Webinar Support Groups

  • January 25, 2021

    PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×