With Alabama’s hunting season just a short time away, those who need to complete a hunter education class are encouraged by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to enroll in one now.

In Limestone County, hunter education will be offered from 6-9 p.m. daily Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at Elkmont Rural Village. Call (800) 245-2740 for more information.

Attending a hunter education course provides a foundation for novice hunters and is an excellent refresher for experienced hunters. State law requires those born on or after Aug. 1, 1977, to successfully complete an approved hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license. The minimum age for participating in a hunter education course is 10. Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training certified law enforcement officers employed in the state, active duty U. S. Military personnel, and Alabama residents who are active members of the U.S. National Guard are exempt from this requirement.

Alabama is one of 49 states with a mandatory hunter education program. The course is a minimum of 10 hours plus an examination. The certification card is recognized in all other states and Canadian provinces where hunter education is mandatory before hunting license purchases. Course content includes hunter responsibility, wildlife laws, wildlife management and identification, firearms safety, archery, muzzleloading, basic survival and first aid.

Alabama’s hunter education course is offered two ways. It may be taken in a traditional classroom setting for several sessions followed by an examination. The training is also available as a two-part course, the first of which can be completed on a computer using a CD-ROM or on the Internet at www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education. After completing the computer portion, participants must then attend a field day to receive their hunter education certification. The CD-ROMs are available at county Extension System offices and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district offices.

Hunter education courses are scheduled in all 67 counties throughout Alabama. A complete list of traditional hunter education courses, CD-ROM/Internet course field days, and registration information is available online at www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.