Remedial Hunter Education Update

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Forty-eight individuals have been sentenced to take Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Remedial Hunter Education program following the suspension of their hunting privileges due to a hunting violation.  As a result of a law passed in 2001, a person who loses their privilege to hunt as the result of being convicted of a hunting violation must complete the course in order to buy a hunting license after the suspension expires. 

"Hunting is a privilege, and the new Remedial Hunter Education program makes that point," said Thomas Baumeister, FWP’s  hunter education coordinator. When an individual is sentenced to take the course, FWP sends out an information package with an enrollment form. 

Of the initial group of 48 sentenced to the Remedial Hunter Education course so far, ten people have already enrolled and five have completed the program.  The program requires about six to eight hours to complete.  Most defendants are sentenced to complete the program within 24-30 months.

"Once an individual completes the course FWP notifies the court that the requirement has been successfully met," Baumeister said. 

Baumeister said the remedial program isn’t only for serious offenders who have lost their privilege to hunt.  The general public may take a similar course over the Internet at any time by going to FWP’s Internet site at fwp.state.mt.us and clicking on the Advanced Hunter Education icon on the home page.

The training covers concepts Baumeister believes will interest most Montana hunters.  The material looks at the history of hunting in Montana, explores a hunter’s reasons and motivations for hunting and tests an individual’s values by presenting various hunting dilemmas and asking the individual what they would do.

The need for both a remedial and an advanced hunter education tool were identified by Montana’s Hunter Behavior Advisory Council.  Questions and comments on the program may be directed to Thomas Baumeister, FWP hunter education coordinator, at tbaumeister@state.mt.us or by phone at 406-444-4046.