FRANKFORT, Ky. – Online registration for Kentucky’s hunter education programs is now statewide.
The new system, which was tested in various regions of the state last fall, will help speed up the delivery of hunter education cards to participants.
“This is part of an overall effort by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to improve services to the public,” said Jamie Cook, the agency’s mentor hunting coordinator. “Online registration makes the process much more efficient.”
Successful completion of hunter education is required of licensed hunters born on or after January 1, 1975. Hunters can receive a special one-year, one-time only exemption card if they cannot complete coursework by the start of a season.
Those who wish to take hunter education courses may register online at fw.ky.gov, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website. People without Internet access can visit their local library, where public access computers are available for online registration.
Participants can take the course in person, online or obtain a CD of the material. In-person and CD courses are free. Online courses may cost up to $15. All courses, regardless of method taken, conclude with a live fire exercise at a range.
Topics covered in hunter education include hunter ethics, wildlife conservation and identification, field care of game, trapping, first aid, firearm safety, archery and muzzleloading.
People who take classes in person must pre-register online before sessions begin. Those who take the courses online or by viewing the CD need only to register for the range day.
Course and range day schedules are posted online at fw.ky.gov. Click the education tab at the top of the page for more information.
