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There are multiple in-person Hunter Education courses and a field day for online students open for registration in south-central Montana. These courses are taught by skilled volunteer instructors and offer hands-on learning experiences, mentoring opportunities and the ability for students to ask questions of experienced hunters. During in-person courses, students learn how to handle firearms safely, basic survival skills, hunting ethics, wildlife management, game identification, landowner-hunter relations, and Montana hunting laws and regulations.
Montana law requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, to complete a Hunter Education class or qualify as an apprentice hunter before purchasing a Montana hunting license.
There are multiple options to complete this required course depending on student age. Opportunities for in-person courses and field days for online students will be very limited after Oct. 1. Those needing to complete Hunter Education are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Space is limited for each in-person course and field day.
In-person, Instructor-led Course
In-person courses are led by volunteer instructors who are passionate about preserving Montana’s hunting tradition, teaching firearm and archery equipment safety, ethics, and other outdoor skills. Students must be at least 10 years old to participate in Hunter Education. In-person courses are free.
Registration is currently open for these in-person courses:
Online and Field Day Combination Course
Students age 12 to 17 and students who will turn 12 by Jan. 16 of the current license year (March - Feb.) can take Hunter Education online but must also pass an in-person field day to be certified. The online Hunter Education course costs $25 and in-person field days are free.
Registration is currently open for an in-person Hunter Education field day for online students in Billings on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Online-only Course
The self-paced online Hunter Education course is available for students 18 and older. Once certified, graduates may purchase or apply for licenses. No in-person field day is required but FWP strongly encourages participation at an in-person field day. The online Hunter Education course costs $25.
To register for these or other courses, visit: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education. This webpage will be updated as more classes are scheduled around the state.
FWP is always looking for more volunteer Hunter Education instructors. If you are interested in the future of hunting, improving sportsmanship and safety in the field, or teaching an appreciation for the vast hunting resources in Montana, then we need you! Application details are available here: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors