Hunter Safety Course Requirement - Military

CrispyFishin · Post by **CrispyFishin** » May 17th, 2007, 9:02 pm

I was born after Jan 1, 1975. So supposedly, I'm required to take a hunter's safety course before obtaining a hunting license.

I'm active duty military (11 years deep), do I still need a hunter's safety course? I can legally hunt certain people, I hope I can legally hunt certain animals.

Will a DD 214 or military ID suffice? Or, am I just plain stuck?

Post by **RodBow** » May 18th, 2007, 2:53 pm

Good question, CF. Surely the commission would slide on this one.

Post by AJ » May 19th, 2007, 2:02 pm

Are law enforcement officers and military personnel exempt from the Hunter Education requirements?

Answer
No, law enforcement officers and military personnel are not exempt; hunter education certification is required for anyone born on or after June 1, 1975. However, if you are a Florida resident in the U.S. Armed Services not stationed in Florida, and home on leave with orders for 30 days or less, you are exempt from purchasing a hunting license. If you are exempt from purchasing a license, then you are exempt from having to take the hunter safety course. When you go hunting, just be sure to carry your leave orders with you in case you are stopped by one of our law enforcement officers. You will need to take the course prior to purchasing a hunting license once you leave the military or if you ever become stationed in Florida. See information on the Web at: http://myfwc.com/huntered/.

I hope this helps, I was surprised by the answer. I thiught for sure you wouldn't need to take it but it is not a big deal. Get a couple of your buddies to take it with you

CrispyFishin · Post by **CrispyFishin** » May 21st, 2007, 10:32 pm

I guess I could "create" orders and leave forms to have with me everytime I hit the great outdoors. But that's the low road

I'll take the course and make the most of it. Afterall, the state has already done alot to make a Gold Sportsman's License only $20 for military types. Thanks for the research AJ!

CrispyFishin · Post by **CrispyFishin** » May 22nd, 2007, 7:01 pm

I emailed Florida State Rep. Will Kendrick to learn more on this issue. They actually called me and gave me a contact at FWC who heads up licensing. I learned that you can get a one year exemption from having to have the Hunter's Safety course.

So, today I finally got the license I was after. I'm happy

Post by **Sir reel** » May 23rd, 2007, 8:56 am

Is that exemption based on being with a mentor ?

CrispyFishin · Post by **CrispyFishin** » May 24th, 2007, 6:43 pm

Sir reel wrote:Is that exemption based on being with a mentor ?

Yes, it is. And, I'll make do with that.

Got a call at work yesterday from State Rep. Will Kendrick himself, asking me if I had gotten any resolution. I told him that I have, and I appreciated the call.

I don't live in his district, but to those of you who do, it certainly seems to me that State Rep. Kendrick is a friend of Soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!