DNR seeks volunteers to teach new hunters

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers to teach basic hunter education students and teach hunters of all experience levels practical outdoor skills.
Hunter education has a strong history in Wisconsin. Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 20,000 people have volunteered, certifying more than 1 million hunters. The program has also contributed to a significant decrease in hunting safety incidents.
Basic hunter education is a firearm safety class that is required by law for anyone who intends to hunt independently. With the standardized program, volunteers lead the internationally approved curriculum and administer the written and practical exams required for certification.
Volunteer certification includes apprenticing with an existing group of hunter education instructors or attending a staff-led mini academy. Instructors must also pass an exam based on the DNR’s Hunter Education Policy & Procedure Manual.
Once certified, volunteer hunter education instructors should teach at least one class and attend an instructor recertification workshop every three years.

Beyond basic hunter education, the DNR and our contracted partners (Becoming an Outdoors Woman, National Deer Association, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Pheasants Forever and Raised at Full Draw) offer additional instruction and continuing education to hunters of all experience levels. We are seeking volunteers to coordinate and instruct advanced programs as the next step from basic hunter education. Training is currently optional and provided upon request.
• Outdoor skills programs teach specific skills related to hunting and the outdoors, such as processing deer, shooting basics and cooking wild game.
• Learn to Hunt allows volunteers to host educational mentored hunts outside of the normal hunting season. The Learn to Hunt program requires at least four hours of pre-hunt instruction to participants, and program volunteers must have at least five years of experience hunting the target species.
All hunter education volunteers must pass a DNR background check.
For more information about becoming a volunteer instructor or applying, visit the DNR website.