If you want to hunt this year but you’ve yet to take part in a hunter education class, you may be able to head afield anyway. Many states, like Wyoming, offer hunter mentor programs.
“This special program creates opportunities for those potentially interested in hunting to experience a hunt before committing to the hunter education coursework,” said Tristanna Bickford, Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter education coordinator. “Many of the mentees enroll in a hunter education class immediately after using the program while a number of others take a hunter education course within a few years of being mentored.”
Not only does the mentor program increase opportunities to hunt but it leads to increased funding for nationwide conservation efforts.
Check with your state fish and game agency for details to see if the program is available where you live.
(Photo source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department)