Kentucky’s fall hunting season begins in mid-August, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is offering a special statewide Hunter Education Day Saturday to help new hunters get ready.
The department will host 20 in-person Hunter Education classes and live-fire range days across the state, providing a convenient, free opportunity for participants to complete required safety training.
Held each August in conjunction with National Shooting Sports Month, the event promotes safe participation in hunting and shooting sports. The classes cover hunter ethics, wildlife conservation and identification, firearm safety, archery, muzzleloading, field care of game, and basic first aid. In-person courses include a written exam and live-fire session; online course participants can complete the live-fire portion at a scheduled range day.
Courses are open to anyone age 9 and up, and all necessary equipment is provided at no cost. While the classes are free, registration is required.
Kentucky law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, and age 12 or older, to complete a hunter education course before legally hunting in the state. Additional species-specific permits are required for deer, wild turkey, bear, bobcats, and sandhill cranes.
Hunter education certifications from other states are recognized in Kentucky. For registration, course options, and license purchases, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website.
