With fall hunting seasons approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging new hunters to complete the required hunter education course during the summer. In a news release, the agency noted that many volunteer instructors are available at this time. Dave Whipple, WDFW hunter education section manager, said, "In the fall, those same volunteers are out hunting, which means we have fewer courses available." He advised finishing the course now to secure participation in the upcoming season, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife offers hunter education through two formats: fully in-person classes and a hybrid option. The in-person classes last about 15 hours over several days and end with a practical field session. Whipple stated, "This course is highly recommended for students seeking a valuable classroom experience." The hybrid course requires students to complete an online portion first, followed by a four- to six-hour field skills evaluation with certified instructors.
In Washington, people born after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course to get a hunting license. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife also offers a one-time deferral for individuals age 10 or older, allowing them to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter before taking the course. Information about requirements and available courses can be found on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hunter education webpage.
