August 24th is the Biggest Day in Oklahoma Hunter Education

If you plan on hunting or getting the kids started this year, it's the biggest weekend across the state for hunter education classes.

If you've been through one of these classes before, it may have been a little rough especially if you were an adult at the time. They're very geared towards children, but you cannot deny the success of these programs. Hunting accidents have fallen 70% since America and Canada started requiring them.

Who has to take the course?

Anyone between the ages of 10 and 30 must take the course to apply for a hunting license in the state of Oklahoma.

If your child is age 9 or younger, they're not eligible for the course yet and adults 31 and older are given the benefit of the doubt in being responsible, ethical normal adult human beings.

What if I miss the course, can I still hunt?

Yes, but it comes with limitations.

First, the hunter education course is available online, so there's really no reason you can miss it... but let's say you're 29 or 30 this year and don't want to take the course, or better yet, you're kid is too young to take the course... There are apprentice licenses available.

You can buy an apprentice hunting license without your hunter education certification, but it requires (on the honor system) that a fully licensed hunter shall accompany you on your hunt, never more than an arms length away in the event they need to quickly take control of your firearm.

Still, even though the course is geared towards younger hunters, the information and basic safety training is worth the hours it will take to earn your card.

August 24th may be the busiest day in Oklahoma for hunter education. Since we're a week from starting the hunting opener with dove season, there are classes in all corners of the state on Saturday, and even more throughout the following week.

Here are the details of the in-person classes - the kids will love it.

Here are the details of the online class - a godsend for adult hunters.