Still time to take MDC hunter education

MDC offers hunter education year-round online, through self-study, and in the classroom.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – While firearms deer hunting is coming to an end, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, furbearer, quail, and other hunting seasons continue into the new year. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds those pursuing game with firearms that hunter education is required for most hunters. MDC offers hunter-education classes year-around online, through a self-study option, and in the classroom.

Missouri's hunter-education course is required for any hunter born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, who uses a firearm while hunting, unless exempt. Anyone 11 or older is eligible to take the course and exam. Hunters who have completed an approved hunter-education course in another state are not required to take Missouri’s hunter-education course.

“MDC’s hunter-education program provides a foundation in hunting safety and ethics,” said MDC Outreach and Education Unit Chief Kyle Lairmore, who coordinates the program. “It instills responsibility, improves skills and knowledge, and encourages interaction between beginner and veteran hunters. In fact, hunter education has reduced hunting incidents and deaths in Missouri by more than 70 percent since it became mandatory in 1987.”

Hunter education covers: hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work and firearm safety, wildlife identification, game care, survival, first-aid skills, firearm-handling skills and hunting techniques, awareness about wildlife conservation and management, and rules and information unique to Missouri.

“Nearly 24,000 new hunters have taken hunter education so far in 2018, including about 11,400 taking the all-online course,” Lairmore added. “We’re also seeing a pretty even split among male and female participants with most participants being ages 16 to 35, which are the younger hunters we are trying to reach.”

Hunter Education Options
MDC offers two options to complete hunter education. The “blended format” is for all ages and includes a knowledge session that must be completed online, in the classroom, or through a self-study guide followed by a skills session and final exam. MDC’s “all-online” option is for Missouri residents 16 years of age and older. They can complete the entire program online through coursework and a final exam without having to take the skills session.

For more information on MDC hunter education, visit huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training.

Bowhunter Education Too!
MDC also offers voluntary bowhunter education in the classroom and online. While classroom offerings are limited, the online offering can be taken any time through a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. It includes live‐action, high-def videos complemented by a comprehensive instruction booklet. Participants must be at least 16 years old and a Missouri resident to take the online course. There is a $30 fee.