As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in our state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering alternatives to traditional in-person hunter education and outdoor skills classes in order to keep people safe while hunting this season.
The following options are available to new and returning hunters in 2020-
• Hunter Education: New Online-Only Certification Option For Youth
As of Oct. 15, students of all ages can earn their Wisconsin hunter education safety certification through a single, online-only hunter education course under a temporary change approved by the DNR.
While online-only hunter education safety certification has been available to adults since 2018, this year’s temporary change allows those under age 18 to take the online-only course now through Dec. 31, 2020. Those interested in taking the online-only course who are over 18 years of age may continue to do so after Dec. 31.
Mentored Hunting-
If there is someone in your household who is interested in trying hunting, check out Mentored Hunting. This program allows novice hunters of any age to purchase a mentored hunting license without first completing a hunter education course, as long as the novice hunts within arm’s reach of a licensed mentor over the age of 18. If you have not passed Hunter Safety but would like to hunt with a mentor this year, you may buy your license through Go Wild. Upon completion, the license will automatically print as “Mentored Only.”
Tips For New And Returning Hunters-
• The DNR is committed to providing hunters with free and easy access to public lands.
• Consider taking the online-only hunter education course as a refresher or to earn your hunter education safety certificate.
• Check out your local shooting ranges for rifle and shotgun sight-in opportunities.
• Don’t forget to buy your license.

The DNR wishes all hunters a fun, safe and successful hunting season.