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Future Kentucky hunters have an opportunity get certified ahead of hunting seasons

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a statewide Hunter Education Class on August 3. Officials said the course ensures new hunters are trained and certified before the start of hunting seasons. The event will take place at over 30 gun ranges and shooting clubs across the Commonwealth. People who want to participate in upcoming hunting seasons will receive training in hunter ethics, conservation, wildlife identification, field dressing, first aid, and firearm safety.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Educator Courtney Goodman said participants will leave the event completely ready to hunt.

“They will be instructed with usually a PowerPoint, and so, they’ll learn everything as far as conservation and management, ethics, and firearm safety,” said Goodman. “They’ll learn all that and then they take a written test. Once they pass the test, and the shooting portion, they have passed the class.”

Goodman added one of the most important aspects covered in the course is gun safety.

“I tell my students in class if there’s anything you take away from this class today it’s that every time you pick up a firearm, I want you to treat it like its loaded and keep it pointed in a safe direction,” said Goodman.

Goodman said the early courses make sure Kentuckians have plenty of time to get certified before fall hunting season opens. Kentucky law states all hunters born after 1974 are required to have passed a hunter safety course before entering the woods.

The event is free to anyone over the age of 9, and all necessary equipment will be provided.

More information and class registration can be found at fw.ky.gov.