Success StoryWhitley Co. Hunter Education



Whitley Co. Hunter Education

Author: Stacy White

Planning Unit: Whitley County CES

Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky

Plan of Work: Effective Resource Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

All hunters in Kentucky at least 12 years old and born after January 1, 1975 must have a hunter safety certification.  During the covid shutdown the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife hunter education program was completely online.  There were youth in Whitley County that did not have computer access at home to allow them to complete the required training.  Once the program could be taught in person again, the ANR agent conducted two in-person training courses and a range day.  The in-person training courses included study in Hunter Ethics, Wildlife Conservation and Identification, Field Care of Game, First Aid, Firearm Safety, Archery and Muzzleloading. The last session of the courses included a written test and a live fire exercise. All materials, including firearms and ammunition, were provided at no charge.  An in-person range day was conducted as a part of the annual Whitley County Farm Day. The range day was for those who had completed the classroom session of the hunter education course via alternative means (internet or CD-Rom). Students brought the proper completion certificate from a KDFWR-approved online course or CD-Rom. The range day included a live fire exercise. All materials, including firearms and ammunition, were provided at no charge.  During the three sessions, 174 people received their hunter education certification.