Chesterfield, VA – Area residents will have the chance to complete free hunter safety training this fall, as Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office partners with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to host in-person courses.
According to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, the sessions will take place on October 28-29 and November 18-19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening. The classes are free, required for new hunters in Virginia, and will be held at a local facility with limited seating available.
Hunter Education has been mandatory for first-time hunters and youth ages 12 to 15 since 1988, and state officials report the program has helped reduce hunting-related shooting incidents by 25%. Courses are designed to teach firearm safety, conservation practices, and responsible sportsmanship.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources notes that more than 2,500 students complete in-person training annually, while thousands more opt for the online-only course. However, in-person instruction is still required for anyone seeking a concealed handgun permit.
Volunteer instructors, many of them longtime hunters, help lead the courses alongside Virginia Conservation Police Officers. Those interested in becoming instructors must pass a background check and complete training through the department.
For Chesterfield County’s upcoming sessions, registration is available at dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/education. Class organizers encourage early sign-up due to limited space. Questions may be directed to Lieutenant Phillips at phillipsrl@chesterfield.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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