PIERRE, S.D. - Hunting seasons will soon be here and now is the time to register for a local HuntSAFE or bowhunter education class.

"Course availability is limited as hunting seasons draw closer, so sign up now to secure your spot in an upcoming class as pre-registration is highly recommended and required for most classes," stated Jason Kool, GFP HuntSAFE coordinator.

Students interested in either the traditional classroom or independent study format must register online at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunt-ed. For those wanting to take the independent study option, students must register for their field day and then complete the online course offered through the International Hunter Education Association. Students can take this online course at http://ihea-usa.org/hunting-and-shooting/hunter-education/online-courses. Students must take the course and print off all the quizzes at the end of the chapter and bring them to their scheduled field day. The remaining field days for the year have been scheduled after November, and no field days will be offered until the spring. Both the traditional classroom course and the independent study HuntSAFE courses are free for the student.

All archery licensees 11 through 15 years of age, all first-time archery big game licensees regardless of age and all archery elk licensees must possess certification of completion from a bowhunter education course. Bowhunter education class information is available online at http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/hunter-education/bowed.aspx. Once these classes end, individuals can still obtain their bowhunter certification, but will only be able to do so via the online course option at the cost of $30.00.

If conflicts occur with the in-person HuntSAFE classes, individuals may want to consider the independent study with a field day HuntSAFE class. "The independent study course allows students the opportunity to complete the coursework online, at their own pace, and then attend a 4-6 hour field day," stated Kool. "Not all communities offer this delivery option, but those that do are listed online."

HuntSAFE and Bowhunter Education in South Dakota is designed for persons age 12 through 15. If a student's 12th birthday falls on or between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, they may be issued a card and are eligible to obtain a license and hunt beginning Sept. 1 of that year. Adults are also welcome and invited to attend or take either of the courses on their own as many states require certification for adults as well.

For more information on HuntSAFE or Bowhunter Education in South Dakota, visit http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/hunter-education/ or call 605.223.7700.

- See more at: http://gfp.sd.gov/news/news/july/16.aspx#sthash.Rmdfe8pJ.dpuf