With spring turkey hunts set to open in mid-April, many new hunters are seeking to enroll in hunter education courses.

“As in past years, we are seeing high interest in hunter education ahead of the spring turkey season,” said Dave Whipple, hunter education division manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“Basic hunter education courses are also in high demand and fill up rapidly in late summer and fall ahead of the big game seasons,” said Whipple. “We encourage new hunters to enroll in hunter education courses well ahead of their first hunting trip.”

A hunter education course is required for first-time Washington hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972.

To find a course and learn about hunter education requirements, new hunters should visit the WDFW hunter education webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/classes/basic.php. Those who do not find a course that meets their needs should continue to check the website as classes are added regularly.

Hunter education programs teach safety, conservation ethics and principles of sportsmanship, said Whipple. “This is critical information for a safe and positive hunting experience, and we do not want any new hunter to miss their opportunity.”

Each year, approximately 14,000 students complete hunter education programs administered by WDFW.