Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has announced the return of its hunter education classes, which are required for individuals aged 12 and older who wish to obtain a firearm or bowhunting license in the state. The courses, which were temporarily disrupted, are now available to those born after 1961.

According to the Game and Fish Department, anyone born after 1961 must complete a certified hunter education course, either through home study or traditional classroom instruction. This applies to all individuals who are 12 years old or older.

The home study, or hybrid course, involves a combination of online and in-person learning. Participants will need to complete 7-10 hours of online coursework, along with six hours of in-person classroom instruction. The classroom time is divided into two sessions: one before the online course and another after the completion of the online portion for final testing.

For those who prefer the traditional classroom setting, the department offers a course that requires at least 14 hours of in-person instruction. These classes are typically held between January and May.

Registration for the courses is available through the Game and Fish website at apps.nd.gov. Interested individuals can enroll by clicking on the “enroll” button next to their preferred class. As new classes are finalized, they will be added to the site for enrollment.

The Game and Fish Department also offers an option to receive notifications about class schedules and updates. Those who wish to receive alerts via email or text can subscribe to the “news and alerts” section on the Game and Fish homepage. To stay informed about upcoming hunter education opportunities, individuals can select “hunter education” under the education program updates.

To be eligible for the home study course, participants must turn 12 years old during the calendar year, while those interested in the traditional classroom course must turn 11 years old during the year.

With these courses, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department continues its commitment to ensuring safe and responsible hunting practices across the state.