LDWF to Resume Hunter Ed Classes This Month

Yesterday, the very same day that Governor John Bel Edwards gave us notice that Phase 2 of the COVID-19 recovery would be extended another two weeks, until August 7, we did manage to get some good news for hunters statewide, in the midst of this pandemic.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries made the announcement that they will resume in-person hunter education classes and field days this month. However, they are encouraging all students who need hunter education certification to take the online course then sign up for an in-person field course.

To see a list of available classes and field days, go to la-web.s3licensing.com. All classes will be at 50% facility capacity during Phase 2 reopening.

Though some areas of Louisiana will see classes here in July, the soonest time I found a Hunter Ed Field Day here in Northwest Louisiana is coming on Tuesday, August 11 from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm at the LDWF Region 1 Office on Highway 80 in Minden.

For those hunters who would find the Caddo Parish Sheriff Training Academy a little more convenient, there will be another Hunter Ed Field Day on Saturday, September 5, from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm.

The notice also informs us:

Attendees are not to come to class if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone that has COVID-19 within 14 days of their course.

“It is going to be a challenge for us this year to make sure we offer adequate classes and field days for our customers,’’ LDWF Biologist Program Manager Eric Shanks said. “We want to ensure the safety of our students, volunteers and staff while offering sufficient hunter education courses and maintaining our high educational standards.’’

For more information, go to wlf.louisiana.gov or contact Eric Shanks at eshanks@wlf.la.gov.