Hunting is a favorite activity among Missourians, and the Missouri Department of Conservation is encouraging those who need hunter education classes to attend early.

To help keep participants, instructors, and others safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MDC issued these terms in a July 13th press release:

*MDC to offer hunter education classes in two formats this year*

MDC will limit in-person class sizes to small numbers of participants.
Class availability will also be limited due to smaller class sizes and limited availability of venues.
Social distancing will be required.
Masks will not be provided.
MDC will abide by applicable local health requirements and strongly encourages participants to bring and wear masks.
Hand sanitizer will be available to participants.

“To help keep staff, volunteers, program participants, and others safe, MDC has changed the format and structure of some of our programs, including hunter education,” said MDC Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator Justin McGuire. “Opportunities to attend an in-person hunter-education classroom or skills session are available but limited at this time. MDC still offers ample opportunities for folks to legally hunt in Missouri through youth exemptions, our apprentice hunter authorization, and online hunter education.”

According to the press release MDC is offering hunter education classes in two formats this year: a Blended Format and an All-Online Format.

The Blended Format has two parts. The knowledge portion provides information to participants on all aspects of hunter education and can be taken online, through a free self-study guide, or in a classroom setting. Participants must also complete a four-hour skills session that includes a multiple-choice final exam. The skills portion is a hands-on demonstration of skills learned by participants. Participants must complete and pass both portions to earn certification.

The All-Online Format may be completed by Missouri residents 16 years of age and older. It consists of an online course and requires a fee paid to the online course provider. The All Online option requires the passing of a final exam but has no skills portion.

Learn more about MDC hunter education and certification requirements online .

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this report