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Don’t Put Off Hunter Education Certification

LINCOLN – August is a great time to obtain Hunter Education certification in Nebraska. With hunting seasons are on the horizon, courses are forming and filling up.

There are two main options to secure a Nebraska firearm or bowhunter education certificate:

• Attend a traditional classroom course. These typically are broken up into several short sessions over a few days. Students attend all of the sessions and complete a written exam at the end.

• Complete online course work. Participants age 16 and up may complete the course online. Those ages 11 to 15 must attend a two-hour Hunt Safe Session after completing the online portion of the course.

To view details about both options and see course locations, visit HuntSafeNebraska.org.

“Although you can find classes throughout the year, there are generally more courses offered in the fall,” Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine said. “Mid-August through mid-November is often packed with offerings throughout the state.

“If you’re looking for a hunter education class and don’t see one in your area right away, keep checking back,” Horine said. “When you see a class that fits your schedule, don’t hesitate to sign up. Classes often fill up quickly.”

In Nebraska, hunters age 12 through 29 who hunt any game species with a firearm or air gun must carry proof of successful completion of firearm hunter education with them while hunting. Hunters age 12 through 29 who hunt deer, elk, antelope or bighorn sheep with a bow and arrow or crossbow must carry proof of successful completion of bowhunter education while hunting. Also, most youth trap teams and conferences require completion of the firearm hunter education course before a young shooter can participate.

About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

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