Shape the future of outdoor hunting, by being a mentor

Volunteers are sought to teach and certify basic hunter education students, and teach hunters of all experience levels, practical outdoor skills. These opportunities are available in all parts of the state. Hunter education has a strong history in Wisconsin. Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 20,000 volunteers have educated hunters in the state, certifying more than one million hunters. The program has also contributed to a significant decrease in hunting safety incidents. The strength and success of the program, is because of the dedication and commitment of the volunteer instructors. The instructors deepen their connection to the state’s hunting heritage, while shaping the next generation of Wisconsin hunters. Basic hunter education is a firearm safety class that is required by law, for anyone who intends to hunt independently. About 4,000 volunteer hunter safety instructors teach the standardized, internationally approved curriculum, and administer the written and practical exams required for certification. Volunteers must be certified to teach basic hunter education, by apprenticing with an existing group of hunter education instructors or attending a staff-led mini academy, that takes volunteers through each lesson that instructors are expected to teach at a basic hunter safety class. 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 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. They are seeking volunteers to coordinate and instruct advanced programs, as the next step from basic hunter education. Training for the following is currently optional and provided upon request: • Outdoor Skills – Outdoor Skills programs teach specific skills related to hunting and the outdoors, such as processing deer, shooting basics and cooking wild game. There lesson plans available for use as a guide, but if an individual has a hunting or shooting sports skill to teach, reach out to the program staff to talk more. • Learn To Hunt – Beyond Outdoor Skills programs, the Learn to Hunt program is a unique opportunity in Wisconsin, that allows volunteers to host educational mentored hunts, outside of the normal hunting season. The 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 dnr.wisconsin.gov.