Cedar Trap Range will hold hunter education class Aug. 29

RUSSELLVILLE – The Alabama Department of Natural Resources (ADCNR) is encouraging all new or returning hunters to sign up and take part in its hunter education classes, so that hunters can complete their hunter education requirement early ahead of hunting season.

The free classes will be offered across the state with at least eight instructional hours and a written test.

The classes will cover firearm safety, wildlife laws, responsible hunting, hunter ethics, archery, wildlife management, muzzleloading, first aid and other information.

Participants age 10 and older will be taught by certified volunteers and ADCNR personnel. Hunter education can begin at age 10, although a hunting license is not mandatory until age 16, with exceptions to baiting privilege for deer, hog, and reef endorsement.

Those who born on Aug. 1, 1977, or after must attend an approved hunter education course prior to purchasing a hunting license in Alabama.

The closest in-person class in Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties will be held Aug. 29 at Cedar Hill Trap Range, which is located at 4021 County Road 84 in Russellville. The class will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food will be available on site to purchase.

Registration closes for the class on the day of the class, but there is limited seating. As of Friday, there were 21 seats left.

Hunters can register for a seat online at https://huntered. d c n r. a l a b a m a . g o v / Public/. Contact Wade Willingham at 256-4129287 for information.

Those who are unable to attend in-person classes are encouraged to participate in an online course.

Those who complete either an in-person or approved online course will receive a certification of their completion that is recognized by all 50 states and Canadian provinces where the certification is mandatory.