The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is returning to in-person classroom courses and firearms range training for its hunter education program after the agency temporarily transitioned to online coursework in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, people could take coursework online and submit a video of themselves exhibiting the safe handling of firearms and archery equipment. Officials say a safe handling demonstration is the final step toward fulfilling Kentucky’s hunter education requirement.
According to state fish and wildlife officials, the department is now offering in-person training at select range locations around the state. Hunters may continue submitting range videos that meet certification requirements through midnight, May 1.
Hunter education is required for hunters born in 1975 or later. It is not required for license-exempt hunters or those born in 1974 or before.
Hunters must complete the classroom portion of the hunter education program prior to attending a range day.
Officials say the classroom equipment for hunter certification is offered in-person by the department or online through the National Rifle Association at no cost. Participants can view and register for available classroom courses and range opportunities online at fw.ky.gov.
For those unable to complete all the requirements before the start of spring hunting seasons, officials say the department also offers a free, 1-year hunter education exemption permit. This allows the permit holder to hunt for one year with direct supervision by an adult mentor who is hunter-education certified or exempted by age. Officials note the permit is nonrenewable and expires 12 months after issuance. Regulations for hunting and licenses and permits still apply.
This year, Kentucky’s youth-only spring turkey season is April 2 – 3, and the general statewide season runs April 16 – May 8.
