ADCNR Hunter Education Classes Coming Up

With hunting season approaching, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) encourages new hunters to complete their hunter education requirement to buy a nonsupervised hunting license early. ADCNR said demand for courses increases prior to and during hunting season, so participants interested in attending an in-person class should register as soon as possible. Alabama offers two ways to earn hunter education certification: a traditional in-person class or an approved online course. Free in-person classes are offered throughout the state and provide at least eight hours of instruction, followed by a written examination. Courses cover firearm safety and handling, responsible hunting, wildlife laws, hunter ethics, wildlife management, archery, muzzleloading, first aid, survival and game care. Classes are taught by experienced ADCNR personnel and certified volunteer instructors and are open to participants ages 10 and older. As part of an ongoing effort to make in-person instruction more accessible, ADCNR is working with Bass Pro Shops to establish annual hunter education classes at its locations in Spanish Fort, Leeds and Prattville. The Spanish Fort location will host a class on August 29 at 8 a.m. A class will take place in Mobile on October 10 at 8 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church.