The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is sponsoring free hunter education classes around Baldwin County.

Hunter education is required for anyone born on or after Aug. 1, 1977, to purchase a hunting license in the state of Alabama. The course includes firearms safety and handling, responsible hunting and hunter ethics, wildlife laws, wildlife management and identification, first aid, survival and game care.

Alabama residents have two options for obtaining Hunter Education Certification: an in-person class or online. In-person classes are eight hours long and offered at no cost. Online courses range in price from $28.95 to $29.00. The courses are open to participants 10 years of age and older, but the class is not required until license buying age of 16.

Participants can register by visiting outdooralabama.com/hunting.

Upcoming Hunter Education in Baldwin County:

• Aug. 20 – Island Church, 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Aug. 18, at 3 p.m.
• Oct. 22 – New Life Baptist Church, 49535 Rabun Road, Bay Minette, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration begins Sept. 22.
• Nov. 5 – WFF District 5 Office, 30571 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration begins Oct. 6.