Bozeman Magazine

Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes will be offered in several locations throughout southwest Montana this year. Many of these classes have been scheduled and will soon be opened for registration.  Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes are taught by skilled volunteer instructors and offer hands-on learning experiences, mentoring opportunities and the ability for students to ask questions of experienced hunters. Students learn how to handle firearms and archery equipment safely, basic survival skills, hunting ethics, wildlife management, game identification, landowner-hunter relations, and Montana hunting laws and regulations. Montana law requires that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, complete a Hunter Education class or qualify as a youth apprentice hunter before purchasing a Montana hunting license. All first-time bowhunters must complete a Bowhunter Education course or show proof of a prior year’s archery license from another state or province.  All classes are free, and students must be at least 10 years old to take a class.  As class schedules are finalized, they will be posted online and opened for registration atfwp.mt.gov/hunt/education. The following courses have been scheduled in southwest Montana: Livingston: Bowhunter Education, starting Mar. 12 Twin Bridges: Hunter Education, starting Mar. 21 Twin Bridges: Bowhunter Education, starting April 4 Bozeman: Hunter Education, starting April 25 Butte: Hunter Education, starting April 25 Manhattan: Hunter Education, starting May 9 Manhattan: Hunter Education, starting July 18 Hunter or Bowhunter Education courses are also being planned in Three Forks, Ennis, West Yellowstone and Dillon. Starting dates for these classes will be announced as they are finalized. To see what classes are happening near you or to sign up for a class, check online periodically by visiting fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education. The webpage will be updated as more classes are scheduled.