MADISON, Wis. — Students of all ages now can earn their Wisconsin hunter education safety certification through a single, online-only hunter education course under a temporary change approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The temporary change allows those younger than 18 to take the online-only course through Dec. 31. Those interested in taking the online-only course who are older than 18 may continue to do so.

“The temporary online-only certification option will provide additional hunter education opportunities to all customers affected by COVID-19,” said DNR hunter education administrator Jon King. “The online option aligns our program with many hunter education programs in other states, which are facing the same challenges with their hunter education programs.”

Students of the online-only course will be required to pay the approved online vendor fee plus the $10 state-required course fee.

Those younger than 18 who take the online-only course for the remainder of 2020 will not be required to complete the in-person field day.

Traditional hunter education courses involving in-person instruction will remain available in many areas thanks to the dedication of volunteer instructors.