Taking a hunter education class in Georgia is easier than ever, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Hunters can access an approved hunter education course online at www.beasafehunter.org, use a hunter education CD-Rom or take the traditional classroom course. The Internet and CD-Rom courses satisfy eight of the ten required hours to complete the course. Hunters then must attend a two-hour (minimum) review / test course and if all requirements are successfully met, students receive their hunter education certificate before leaving the classroom.

“The hunter education course available by Internet, which first became available two years ago, is very popular, especially with young hunters and/or those whose schedules do not allow time to fit in the traditional classroom course,” says WRD Hunter Education Coordinator Capt. James Bell.

Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:

·purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.

·is at least 12 years old and hunts with a weapon without adult supervision (adult supervision means 18 years of age or older with a minor being in sight or hearing distance of that person).

·hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area (including any hunter age 12 or older).

The only exceptions include:

·a person purchasing a short-term hunting license (as opposed to a season license). Hunters with short-term licenses are no longer required to show proof of having taken an approved hunter education course regardless of the person’s state of residence.

·any person hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.

Those interested in the Internet course should go to www.beasafehunter.org. After completing all lessons and the review test, students should print and sign the “Hunter Education Final Report and Affidavit.” If under age 18, a parent or guardian must sign the affidavit. Students should then go to the WRD website at www.georgiawildlife.com,  click on hunting, then hunter education to find a review course. Students also can call 1-800-864-7275 to register for a review course. However, there is a service fee associated with this phone service. Hunters must bring the signed, completed “Final Report and Affidavit” to the review course or they will not be allowed to take the final test.

For more information regarding the online hunter education course or other options, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call 770-761-3010.

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