WDFW urges new hunters to complete education courses before fall seasons

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging prospective hunters to complete required hunter education courses this summer to avoid delays before the fall hunting seasons.

“Many WDFW volunteer instructors hold hunter education classes in the summer, making it easier to get into a class,” said Dave Whipple, WDFW hunter education section manager. “In the fall, those same volunteers are out hunting, which means we have fewer courses available. Completing the course now ensures you will be able to participate in hunting seasons this fall and beyond.”

State law requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972, to complete a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license. Courses are offered in-person, with about 15 hours of classroom and field instruction, or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with a four- to six-hour field skills evaluation.

A one-time hunter education deferral is available for those 10 and older who wish to hunt with a licensed mentor before completing the course. WDFW advises checking program requirements before applying.

More information, including class schedules, is available on the WDFW hunter education webpage at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/basic.