Every year, as hunting and trapping seasons approach, FWP's phones start ringing off the hook. Parents, new hunters and seasoned outdoorsmen alike are all looking for one thing: a last-minute education course to get certified before the season opens. Unfortunately, by that time, options are often limited – or completely unavailable.

That’s why FWP encourages everyone to plan ahead when it comes to Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education. Early preparation is the single best way to ensure a smooth start to your season.

Why timing matters

The bulk of FWP's education programming takes place in the spring and late summer/early fall. These are the critical windows when volunteer instructors are most available, which allows for the widest variety of course formats and locations across the state. Once the seasons begin, instructor availability drops significantly, and course offerings become sparse.

Waiting until the last minute often means facing frustrating situations:

• Courses are full or already completed.
• Limited locations or inconvenient times are your only choice.
• Increased stress for students and families trying to meet deadlines.
• Missed opportunities to participate in the season you planned for.

Sometimes life gets busy and plans change, but when it comes to certification, early action is the best strategy.

Who needs to plan ahead?

If you’re new to hunting or trapping – or if you’re mentoring someone who is – it’s important to know the requirements. In Montana, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must complete a Hunter Education course before purchasing a hunting license. Bowhunter and Trapper Education are also required for certain licenses and tags.

• This requirement specifically includes:
• Youth hunters preparing for their first season
• Adults new to hunting or trapping
• Out-of-state hunters needing to meet Montana’s requirements
• Anyone applying for special permits or tags that require certification

If you fall into one of these categories, do not wait until the week before your hunt to start looking for a course.

Options for younger hunters

Montana offers flexible options for younger or first-time hunters that help them get started safely:

• In-person Hunter Education courses are available for students starting at age 10. While students can begin taking the course at this age, they will not be fully certified until the year they turn 12.
• The Apprentice Hunter Program allows individuals 10 years and older to hunt without completing a Hunter Education course, for up to two license years, as long as they are accompanied by a certified mentor.

These options are excellent for families who want to introduce kids to hunting early, while still ensuring safety and mentorship in the field.

New field day requirement for online students

As of Jan. 1, 2024, all online Hunter and Bowhunter Education students ages 12–17 are now required to complete an in-person field day to receive certification.

This change was made to ensure students gain essential hands-on experience with firearm safety, ethical hunting practices and real-world scenarios. While this is a valuable addition to the program, it has also created a scheduling challenge in meeting the demand for field days statewide. Field day availability is limited in some areas, and scheduling can be difficult –especially during the late summer rush.

For this reason, if you have a youth student in this age group, do not assume the online course is a faster or better option. You must plan early to secure both the online portion and the required in-person field day spot.

Benefits of early planning

Planning ahead isn't just about securing a spot in a course – it’s about setting yourself up for success and enjoyment in the field. Here's what early planning allows you to do:

• Choose a course that perfectly fits your schedule and learning preference (in-person, online or hybrid).
• Take your time with the material, ask questions and fully absorb the content without rush.
• Practice skills like firearm safety, map-reading and ethical decision-making well before the season starts.
• Avoid the stress of scrambling for a last-minute, inconvenient option.

Education is more than a requirement – it’s a foundational element for safe, ethical and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

How to get started

FWP recommends checking the course schedule early in the year – January or February is a great time to start planning. You can find course listings on the Montana FWP Hunter Education page.

While the website may not always reflect every upcoming class immediately, checking this link regularly and reaching out to your regional FWP office are the best ways to stay informed about opportunities. Some classes fill quickly or are posted with short notice, so staying proactive is key.

And remember – planning a year or more in advance is a smart strategy. With busy school schedules, sports, family commitments and limited instructor availability, finding the right time for a course can be challenging. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.

Final thoughts

FWP is proud of the work our instructors and staff do to provide high-quality education. But we can’t do it alone. If you’re an instructor, mentor or just someone who cares about the future of hunting and trapping, help us spread the word: Early planning is key.

The more we can encourage early participation, the better prepared our students will be, and the more successful and safe their outdoor experiences will become.