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Learn to Hunt

FOR NEW HUNTERS OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS

There are many ways to learn to hunt in Wisconsin! The Learn to Hunt program, Outdoor Skills programs, Mentored Hunting Law and Hunter Safety Certification can get you started on your hunting journey.

Learn to Hunt Programs

Learn to Hunt programs combine classroom and field instruction before going hunting with a qualified mentor. Learn to Hunts are a great opportunity for those who don't yet have a support network of hunting mentors. You'll be paired with a qualified mentor at the program.

Participate in a Learn to Hunt Program

Learn to Hunt programs are hosted by qualified volunteer mentors from local hunting clubs, nongovernmental organizations and other conservation organizations across Wisconsin. Lead instructors may request license and stamp waivers, season date waivers and sex restriction waivers for participants.

Upcoming programs can be found on the DNR Events calendar.

How To Sign Up For A Learn To Hunt Class

  1. Please ensure you can attend all class sessions.
  2. If you find that you can't attend a class, please un-enroll or contact the class instructor immediately. We have limited space and high interest in Learn to Hunt classes – if you are unable to attend, please un-enroll so that somebody else can sign up.

To sign up for a Learn to Hunt event through Go Wild:

  1. Go to the Go Wild website.
  2. Log in to your Go Wild account. You will be prompted to log in to your Go Wild account and confirm your customer information.
    • If you do not yet have a Go Wild account, click the link to “Create a New Account” next to the Log In button.
    • You will be prompted to enter your social security number, date of birth and driver's license information.
  3. Navigate to your Safety Education Dashboard and click "manage safety education."
  4. Under current classes, click "Search for Class."
  5. Enter the course type (Learn to Hunt or Hunt for Food) and the county of interest.
    • If a message pops up with "No classes found. Please try a different search criteria," this means that all classes are currently full. Please check back at a later date.
  6. Find the class you wish to join and click "Enroll."
  7. If enrollment was successful, a note will pop up with "Success! You have successfully enrolled in the class." You will receive an email confirmation from Go Wild at the address listed in your Go Wild account.
  8. Instructors will be able to view the class roster and will reach out to you via email with additional information.

Participant Information

Any new hunter or trapper may participate in a Learn to Hunt or Learn to Trap program. There is no minimum age requirement to participate in a Learn to Hunt or Learn to Trap program; however, the lead instructor may implement a minimum age requirement at their discretion.

All participants must create a Wisconsin DNR customer ID number prior to the first hunting or trapping activity date. You can participate in more than one Learn to Hunt or Learn to Trap program and more than one program of the same species.

Participants are not required to have completed a hunter or trapper education class to participate in a Learn to Hunt or Learn to Trap program. Participation in a Learn to Hunt or Learn to Trap program does not grant the participant a hunter education or trapper education safety education certificate unless a safety education class is taught in conjunction with the Learn to Hunt program.

Hunting Gear And Equipment

Some Learn to Hunts provide hunting gear and equipment to use during the program, while others do not. Contact the lead instructor of the Learn to Hunt to inquire about what gear and equipment they may or may not be able to provide during the program.

Outdoor Skills programs teach specific skills related to hunting and the outdoors, such as processing deer, firearm safety and shooting and wild game cooking.

Check out our upcoming Learn to Hunt and Outdoor Skills programs on the DNR Events calendar.

Mentored Hunting Law

If you don't have a hunter education certification, you can still go hunting during the normal seasons as long as you have the appropriate authorizations and stay within arm's reach of a qualified mentor at all times. Learn more about Wisconsin's Mentored Hunting Program.

Hunter Safety Certification

Learn the basics of firearm safety and keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by becoming hunter safety certified. Anyone who wishes to hunt on their own in Wisconsin must complete a Hunter Education course. 

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 must complete a hunter education course and have a hunter education safety certificate on file to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin. Learn more about hunter education courses.

Resources To Learn To Hunt

Are you interested in giving hunting a try? Check out these resources to help you get started.

For More Information On The Learn To Hunt Program, Contact:

Emily Iehl, DNR Hunting & Shooting Sports Program Specialist
Emily.Iehl@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-8168
Or email the program mailbox.

For More Information On Hunter Education, Contact: 

Ashley Van Egtern, DNR Hunter Education Program Specialist 
Ashley.VanEgtern@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-9625
Or contact your local Outdoor Skills Trainer.