Hunter's ed required to hunt big game this fall

Hunter's ed required to hunt big game this fall

July 24, 2001

BY THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

DENVER — In order to legally hunt or purchase a hunting license, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949 must complete a hunter education class. Hunter education is mandatory in Colorado. Nationwide, data proves that hunter education courses increase hunter safety and create more responsible hunters. Luckily, hunter education courses are easy to find and available all over the state.

In metro Denver, hunters can phone (303) 291-7530 for recorded list of classes; outside the metro area call the nearest Division of Wildlife office for classes near you. Another great place to look for hunter education classes is on our website – http://wildlife.state.co.us. From the HOME PAGE, click on "WILDLIFE CALENDAR" from the alphabetical listing on the right side of the page.

If you are 52 or younger (born after Jan. 1, 1949), you are required to complete the hunter education class. But, how YOUNG can you be to take hunter education?

"There’s no specific age at which you can take a hunter education class," said Patt Dorsey, hunter education administrator for the Division of Wildlife. "Younger students should be able to read well and comprehend some complex information. Students also need to be able to stay alert and focused for the length of the class. Usually kids 10 years of age and older can complete the class, depending on their maturity level and ability to comprehend concepts."

Sondra Van de Venter, a longtime hunter education instructor, concurs. "Sometimes we have young kids sit through the class with parents or siblings to learn firearms safety, but they return to complete the class when they are older."

Steve Nowlin of the Colorado State Police is a certified instructor with the DOW and who conducts a number of classes in this area.

Here are several common questions and answers:

Do I have to wait to get into a class? Check the current listings, there are usually openings right away. Classes do fill up, but the classes offered just prior to hunting seasons are most likely to be filled quickly.

I have special needs, can I take a hunter education class? All of the Hunter Education classes offered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife are ADA-accessible. To make sure we can meet your needs, contact us in advance for special accommodations.

Are classes offered in Spanish? Yes, Spanish-speaking classes are offered whenever there are enough students interested. To sign up call Patt Dorsey at (303) 291-7264. Leave name, address and telephone number.

Is now a good time to take your hunter education class and avoid the rush before hunting season? Yes - don’t wait until the last minute. In addition to firearm safety - survival information included in the class may save your life this summer!

Are there folks who take hunter education to learn firearms safety, who don’t intend to hunt? Yes - on two counts. Some non-hunters enjoy the outdoor education aspects of hunter education, e.g., survival, wildlife identification, wildlife management, wildlife laws. Other non-hunters take hunter education strictly for the firearm safety portion of the course. Firearm-related accidents can be reduced by understanding basic firearm safety.

How many people have taken hunter education classes in Colorado? So far, the total is over 675,000 since 1970, when hunter education became mandatory in Colorado. Since the classes became law, hunting fatalities have decreased 86 percent; from an average of 9 per year during the 1960’s to 1.3 per year during the 1990’s. Currently, we have about 400 active volunteer hunter education instructors.

Is Colorado the only state to require hunter education? No - Most states now require hunter education before hunting. Proof of hunter education from another state may be accepted in Colorado and Colorado’s hunter education card is reciprocated all other states.

Can I replace a lost hunter education card? Yes, if you took the class in Colorado, for $5 you can replace your hunter safety card at any Division of Wildlife office. Check the website for our office location nearest you.

Do I need to carry my hunter education card with me when hunting? Since Colorado’s hunting and fishing licenses were added to a computer data base several years ago as part of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Information System (CORIS), you can have your hunter education certification verified at a Division of Wildlife office. Proof of hunter education will be on future conservation certificates printed through the system. If you are hunting in another state, or if proof is not printed on your conservation certificate, you still need to carry your card with you.

What do hunter education classes cost? Fees for classes vary by instructor. However, hunter education course fees may not exceed $10, or $20 for "one-day crash courses."