Beginning Oct. 1, the Georgia hunter education course is available completely online, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
“This significant enhancement provides our customers with the opportunity to complete the hunter education course online,” says Walter Lane, hunter development program manager with the Wildlife Resources Division. “We join 12 other states in allowing students to complete the course at their convenience and completely online.”
This online opportunity improves the previous online option where students had to take the course partially online and partially in a classroom.
Customers that desire a classroom course will still have this option. Last year, more than 4,600 students chose to take advantage of almost 300 classroom courses offered statewide. Additionally, customers can obtain a free CD-ROM and take the course at home.
The four available online courses each require a fee (from $9.95 - $24.95) but all are “pass or don’t pay” courses. Fees for these courses are charged by and collected by the independent course developer. If the online course vendor fees are an obstacle, students can obtain a free CD-ROM by contacting their local DNR law enforcement office or the Hunter Development Office (770 761-3010). Additionally, the classroom course is free of charge.
Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1961, who:
· purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
· is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.
· hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.
The only exceptions include any person who:
· purchases a short-term hunting license, such as the Apprentice License or the 3-day Hunting and Fishing Combo License (as opposed to a season license).
· is hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.
For more information, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/education or call 770 761-3010.