Glasgow, Montana – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering a series of in-person hunter education classes and field days for online students across central and eastern Montana this spring and summer. These sessions provide essential training for new and aspiring hunters, ensuring they acquire the necessary certification ahead of key big game application deadlines on April 1, May 1, and June 1.
The in-person classes cater to participants aged 10 and older, delivering hands-on learning led by dedicated volunteer instructors. These educators are passionate about preserving Montana’s rich hunting tradition while imparting critical knowledge on firearm safety, hunting ethics, and other vital outdoor skills. Students aged 10 and 11 can complete the course to hunt as apprentices, though they must wait until the year they turn 12 to apply for special draws.
Several upcoming in-person class starting dates have been scheduled throughout the region. In Choteau, classes begin on March 9. Great Falls hosts a session on March 11, which is currently full, followed by Fairfield on March 16, also full. Havre offers classes starting March 19, Miles City on March 20 (full), Scobey on March 23, and Lewistown on March 30. Additional sessions include Sidney on April 7, Miles City again on April 10, Glasgow on April 13, Havre on April 23, Wolf Point on April 29, Havre on May 7, Harlem on May 28, Hays on June 9, Lodge Pole on July 8, Dodson on August 1, Glasgow on August 3, and Harlem on August 21.
Registration is mandatory prior to the class start, accessible via the FWP hunter education page. Participants should review and sign all required paperwork in advance, with specific details on location and logistics provided on the registration site. More classes in additional locations will be added as demand grows throughout the year.
For those who prefer or have completed the online hunter education course, field days offer practical reinforcement. These events focus on firearm safety and hunting ethics through instruction, practice, and evaluation in realistic scenarios. Participants demonstrate competency using inert firearms, with some field days featuring a live-fire station. Eligible students include those currently aged 11 who will turn 12 by January 16 of the license year, as well as adults aged 18 and older seeking extra hands-on experience, though not required for certification.
Scheduled field days include Glasgow on March 15, followed by multiple locations on March 21: Havre, Malta, and Great Falls. Miles City hosts one on March 22, Great Falls again on March 25, Plentywood on March 27, Miles City on April 12, Great Falls on April 13, Sidney on April 18, Glasgow on April 24, Miles City on August 8, and Glasgow on August 14. Online course completion, which takes approximately 6-8 hours and incurs fees, is prerequisite. Attendees must bring their field day qualifier certificate and register beforehand.
These opportunities underscore FWP’s commitment to safe, ethical hunting practices, equipping Montanans with the skills needed to responsibly enjoy the state’s abundant wildlife resources. By combining classroom theory with practical field experience, the program fosters a new generation of knowledgeable hunters equipped for success in big game pursuits and beyond. For the complete schedule and to register, visit the dedicated hunter education section on the FWP website.
For more information, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.