Wisconsin DNR & Hunter Safety
Wisconsin requires that all hunters born after 1973 be certified in a hunter safety course in order to obtain a hunting license in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides recreational safety classes to educate and certify hunters in order to provide a safe hunting environment.
In addition to the required hunting programs, Wisconsin offers a Learn to Hunt program to promote recreational hunting and safety for inexperienced hunters in the state.
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Education Requirement
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Wisconsin law requires that all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 be certified in a hunter safety class prior to obtaining a state hunting license. Wisconsin law requires that any person under the age of 16 must be supervised in the use of firearms by a guardian over 18 years of age. However, an exception is made for persons 14 years of age who have obtained a hunters education certification, which allows such persons to hunt unsupervised.
Wisconsin hunting certification is valid to fill hunter safety certification in every U.S. state, Canadian province and the country of Mexico.
Course Objective and Content
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Proper use of firearms is an important part of safety training. Wisconsin's hunter education program was created to improve hunter safety by reducing the chances for accidents and negligence, to prevent conflict between hunters and private property owners and to preserve the natural resources of the state.
The course covers many topics regarding hunter safety and ethics. Firearms safety covers how to handle firearms, clean and maintain equipment and basic of marksmanship. Handling of outdoor emergencies and how hunting accidents can be prevented are other safety related portions of the course.
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Eligibility
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Children should be at least 12 before taking the course There is no age requirement to take the class. However, minors who take the course before age 12 may lose small game privileges that come with the license. Wisconsin DNR recommends minors take the course no sooner than six months before their twelfth birthday.
Length and Cost of Course
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As of June 2010, the cost of the Wisconsin hunter safety course is $10 per student. The length of courses vary, but 10 hours is the minimum requirement with the average course being 18 hours in length.
Students must get a WI DNR Customer ID Number before completion of any course. Contact the Wisconsin DNR Customer Service office by phone.
There are CD-ROM or online course equivalents offered as well. Students must pre-register to get access to the course materials. Students must print out and bring quizzes to a required field day. The field day is designed to give field experience to online course takers. Two exams are given on the field day, one written and one in practical skills.
Learn to Hunt Program
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On top of the required hunter education program, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sponsors a Learn to Hunt Program that is designed to teach and promote hunting and hunter safety in the state. The program is open to any hunter with less than two years experience.
The program is held throughout the state and is typically sponsored by a local conservation club. The course teaches students more advanced hunters safety and about hunting specific animals. The course covers classroom education and field stations that teach hunter safety in a real life setting. Hunters are paired one-on-one with an experienced hunting mentor.
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References
- Photo Credit Wisconsin state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com boy with rifle image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com boy hunter image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
