Taking a hunter safety course is about safety and more
By Tony Young, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Taking a hunter safety class is one of the best things someone can do to have a safe and enjoyable time hunting, says Bill Cline, hunter safety and
public shooting range section leader for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Hunter safety courses are designed to equip hunters with techniques to keep themselves and others safe outdoors,” Cline says. “Even the most experienced hunters will learn something, which will help them become better, safer hunters and mentors.”
FWC offers traditional classroom courses in hunter safety at no cost. Students also can complete the classroom portion by taking an FWC approved
online course, including one that’s free. After the online classroom portion is complete, students must sign up and attend a free field day. This no-cost training is available thanks to certified volunteer instructors and funding from the Wildlife Restoration program.
People born after May 31, 1975, are required to complete a state-certified hunter safety class before they can buy the type of hunting license that
allows them to legally hunt unsupervised in Florida. Even exempt hunters born before that date are encouraged to take the course to learn valuable
information about wildlife conservation and hunter ethics.
Summer is the perfect time to sign up for the state’s hunter safety course requirement, either by going to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by contacting your nearest FWC regional office.