CENTRE– A free hunter education course will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at the City of Centre Community Center.
The class will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 635 Armory Road. Anyone age 10 or older may participate.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Each student will also receive a T-shirt, hunter-orange cap, and an opportunity to win door prizes.
The official course schedule listed 96 of the 100 seats as available Sunday. Registration is scheduled to close at 2:43 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
The Northeast Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation announced the workshop during a July interview with WEIS Radio. The local chapter has made hunter safety and outdoor education a major part of its community work.
Meanwhile, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging new hunters statewide to complete certification early. Officials said demand for in-person courses increases before and during hunting season.
Seats are limited, and classes can fill quickly as fall approaches.
Who Must Complete Hunter Education?
Anyone born on or after Aug. 1, 1977, must complete an approved program before purchasing an Alabama hunting license. The requirement does not apply to hunters using the state’s “supervision required” provision or those who qualify for an exemption.
Hunter education is available beginning at age 10. However, a hunting license generally is not required until age 16.
Under the supervision provision, a hunter must remain within normal voice control of a properly licensed hunter who is at least 21. The supervised hunter may not move more than 30 feet from that person.
The supervising hunter cannot hold a “supervision required” license.
Exemptions also apply to active-duty U.S. military personnel and qualifying Alabama National Guard members. Certain Alabama law enforcement officers certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission are also exempt.
Alabama accepts hunter education certifications issued by other states.
What Students Will Learn
The traditional course covers firearm safety, proper handling, responsible hunting, and hunter ethics. Students also learn about wildlife laws, wildlife management, and animal identification.
Additional topics include archery, muzzleloading, first aid, outdoor survival, and game care. The course concludes with a written examination.
ADCNR personnel and certified volunteer instructors teach the state’s traditional courses. In-person instruction allows students to ask questions and discuss real-world hunting situations directly with experienced instructors.
The Centre workshop also gives new hunters an opportunity to learn alongside other people from the community.
Online Certification Is Also Available
Hunters unable to attend the Centre class may use one of Alabama’s approved online courses.
The state’s hunter safety education page lists a free online option and several fee-based programs. Online instruction generally takes about eight hours and can be completed at the student’s own pace.
Either the traditional course or an approved online course satisfies Alabama’s hunter education requirement.
Students completing either option receive a certification recognized by all 50 states and Canadian provinces where hunter education documentation is required.
New graduates will also receive an opportunity to join PathPerks at no charge. The program provides one year of special savings on equipment from participating outdoor brands, along with gear reviews and educational guidance.
Registration and Additional Information
Participants may register through Alabama’s official hunter education class schedule. Because enrollment can change, prospective students should confirm availability before making plans.
Anyone needing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should call 334-242-3620 as soon as possible. ADCNR requests at least 72 hours’ notice before a scheduled course.
Additional hunter education questions may be directed to the state Hunter Education Office at 1-800-245-2740.
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