Online Hunter Education Course Options

October cracks the deer season wide open with archery, primitive weapons and firearm seasons going on through these weeks.

It’s traditionally been the time when many DNR hunter safety classes are taught by dedicated instructors across the state. Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1961 must complete this course. For some, it may be the first time they’ve been exposed to the great outdoors. For others, it may simply be a review on topics that have been ingrained in them from a father, mother, grandfather or another family member who has taken the time to explain the importance of hunting safety.

As an instructor, I have cherished these classes as a great way to pass along hunting traditions to our communities. I personally feel that those who have not had much exposure to hunting and/or firearms really need to take this class in person. Handling some of the training rifles and shotguns that are provided to instructors and hearing the safety messages firsthand really drives these points home. However, at this writing, I have not scheduled a class this fall and that pains me. COVID continues to impact us in so many ways. I’m hopeful that I will somehow manage to organize a class this fall. However, there are options to obtain the information.

These days, just about any information you need can be obtained on the internet, and hunter safety is one of them. There are a variety of options to take this course online by studying and passing a test. All you need is your Georgia DNR customer ID number to complete the course. Visit www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com to locate or create your customer number.

You can view five online choices at georgiawildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation#Online%20Courses. Fees for those courses range from $9.95 to $29. The option “HUNTINGsmart!” is actually free to those under the age of 16.

Although not a requirement, you can also take a free 15-minute course on tree-stand safety and a bowhunter education course.

A great feature for all recent safety-course graduates is a free, three-month range pass to any DNR shooting range.

Our deer archery seasons began on Sept. 12 this year and will continue until Jan. 10, 2021. However, hunters in Bibb, Chatham, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties have the added bonus of the extended archery season through Jan. 31, 2021.

With that, we are blessed to enjoy one of the longest big game seasons in the country. Our limit of 10 does and two bucks is one of the largest in the U.S. As a hunter, set a goal to make the most of your time in the field.

I hope all readers get the opportunity to get out in our beautiful creation and bring home some protein-rich venison to fill the freezer. Just remember: Hunt safe!