The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division offers three options to help make the most of your time to complete a hunter education course: by classroom, CD-Rom or online.

“We want to meet the needs of the most people we can because the information learned in a hunter education course is critical, and is meant to help encourage a new hunter to not only be legal, but to also be ethical and safety-oriented,” said Walter Lane, hunter development program manager with the Wildlife Resources Division. “The online and CD courses offer more scheduling flexibility as they can be done at any time of day. And for those who prefer a traditional method, the classroom courses provide a face-to-face opportunity with instructors.”

The classroom course is free of charge. The three available online courses each require a fee (from $9.95-$24.95) but all are “pass or don’t pay” courses. Fees for these courses are charged by and collected by the independent course developer.

If the online course vendor fees are an obstacle, students can obtain a CD-ROM by contacting their local DNR law enforcement office.

Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:

• purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.

• is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.

• hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.

The only exceptions include any person who:

• purchases a short-term hunting license, such as the Apprentice License or the 3-day Hunting and Fishing Combo License (as opposed to a season license).

• is hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.

For more information, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/education or call (770) 761-3010.

Turkey season throughout Georgia runs through May 15.