While major hunting seasons are closed in summer, hunter education courses continue to run throughout the state.

Now is the time to enroll in hunter education and avoid the autumn rush, said David Whipple, hunter education division manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“As fall hunting seasons draw near, seats in these courses fill quickly,” Whipple said.  “Hunters who complete the course this summer will be ready to take to the field in the fall.”

All hunters born after January 1, 1972 must complete a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license.

WDFW offers both traditional and online options to complete the hunter education training requirement.

The advantages of the traditional classroom experience include direct person-to-person instruction from certified volunteer instructors, said Whipple.

The online course offers the same content, but on the student’s schedule, and is coupled with a field skills evaluation led by certified instructors, added Whipple.

“Hunter education is the first step to taking part in a tradition that provides food and fun to millions of families around the nation,” he said.

To find a course and learn about hunter education requirements, new hunters should visit the WDFW hunter education webpage athttp://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/classes/basic.php