For Release: Friday, April 1, 2022
DEC Announces Availability of In-Person Hunter Education Course Opportunities
New Hunters Planning for Spring Turkey Season Must Complete Mandatory Hunter Education
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that in-person hunter education classes are being offered throughout New York State this spring in advance of the May 1 opener of spring turkey season.
"Turkey hunting remains one of DEC's most popular hunting seasons and these courses, taught by our very knowledgeable volunteer instructors, are key to another successful year," Commissioner Seggos said. "As we continue to safely resume in-person courses, I am excited for new hunters to learn the necessary safety techniques and responsibilities to safely enjoy turkey hunting season."
All new hunters planning to go turkey hunting this season in May are reminded that they must first complete a mandatory hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license. DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated DEC-certified volunteer instructors statewide to provide these in-person training courses free of charge.
All in-person hunter education courses require students to complete homework prior to attending the classroom and field session. Proof of the completed homework is required to attend the course. Students should register for the course well in advance of the course date to allow time to complete the homework requirement, which takes approximately three hours. All in-person courses require successful completion of a field day to earn certification for the course.
DEC's online registration system makes it easy to view a list of all available in-person or online courses. Students can register from any device - smartphone, tablet, or computer - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To locate a nearby hunter education course visit DEC's website.
File footage of a DEC hunting course can be found at DEC's website (courtesy of NYSDEC).
Photos of past DEC Hunter Education Course(courtesy of NYSDEC):
DEC Hunter Education Course
Hunter Ed Instructor Colleen Kimble works with student
during Hunter Ed Course
Hunter Ed Instructor teaches students proper handling of a firearm
