The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has set Jan. 2, 2021, as the implementation date for allowing anyone requiring a basic hunting license 16 and older to earn their hunter education certification completely online. The online only option will not be available to anyone under 16 years of age.
Under the new process, there is no additional field day required for those who qualify and who successfully complete Louisiana’s approved online course, which can be found at https://www.hunter-ed.com/louisiana/. A fee for the course will apply. Qualifying individuals who successfully complete the online course will receive their hunter education credentials digitally.
The traditional classroom course, which is open to those 10 years and older, will continue to be offered. Those 10-15 years old choosing the online/field day option will still be required to complete a field day. LDWF will continue to offer field days for those under 16 and anyone 16 and over who wish to take one for additional training even if they have received their credentials. There is no cost for the classroom or field day courses.
Current regulations, which include a field day requirement, will remain in place until Jan. 2. Traditional classroom courses and the online course with a field day will still be available for all students preferring these formats.
For more information on the current hunter education certification process, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunter-and-trapper-education.
For additional information regarding the new online only certification option, contact Eric Shanks at eshanks@wlf.la.gov.