PHOENIX — A policy implemented by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) in 2020 that allowed students to defer from scheduling the field day requirement of the Hunter Education program has been extended to June 30, 2024.

To ensure the safety of all students, volunteers and staff during the pandemic, the department had postponed Hunter Education classroom courses, field days, and bonus-point field tests for youth ages 10 through 13.

Any individual 9 or older may complete a Hunter Education course offered through AZGFD. To hunt big game, youth under 14 must complete Hunter Education.

Youth may take Hunter Education through two different formats: a traditional classroom setting or online. Both formats require a hands-on field day and exam. Classroom courses are typically offered during weekends and weeknights across the state. Classroom courses average 16 hours of in-person instruction, and field days average four hours.

All courses and field days are administered by volunteer instructors. The volunteers typically schedule classes and field days based on their availability, and courses are posted two to four weeks prior to the event start date. Field days are conducted at a local shooting range. At this time, a limited number of field days and bonus-point field tests are available for youth.

All classes and field days are posted at www.azgfd.gov/HunterEd, and registration must be completed online. The website is updated on Tuesdays with new course and field day opportunities.

The purpose of Hunter Education is about more than safety. It’s also about developing responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and behaving ethically.