Hunter Education

Becoming a Certified Washington Hunter Education Instructor

Hunter education instructors are volunteers who devote personal time and effort to promoting hunting safety. Certified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), hunter education instructors are authorized to teach public classes consistent with curriculum and policies established by WDFW.

Instructors must be at least 21 years of age, keenly interested in promoting safety, wildlife conservation and responsible outdoor behavior and willing to teach or assist in at least one class per year.

Nowadays most hunter education instructors team teach. The typical class involves two or more instructors who share the responsibilities of setting up and conducting classes. If you have a hunting partner (or two!), coworker or another family member who can assist you, please invite them to consider applying as instructors, too!

All potential instructors undergo a background investigation to insure they have no problems which would prevent them serving as instructors.

In addition to the background investigation, instructors are asked to attend a basic hunter education course and to assist in conducting a course. This gives the candidate a good insider's view of what the curriculum entails and an insight into the role of the instructor.

WDFW staff also conduct new instructor training from January through August of each year. Class locations and dates vary, but all instructor applicants are provided advance notice about class dates and locations. Please check hunter education staff to determine training locations and dates.

The work of the hunter education instructor is demanding, the pay is lousy (as in non-existent!) and the hours are often long and inconvenient. Instructors love their work not because of any material rewards or benefits, but because they know they are contributing in some small way to the future of hunting. If you like a challenge, aren't afraid of hard work and see yourself as a good team player, we want to hear from you soon!

Right now, additional instructors and teaching teams are needed in Chelan, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, and Yakima Counties.

If you are interested in learning more about the role of hunter education instructors, or if you'd like an application to get started, please contact the hunter education program.

The Washington Hunter Education Instructors' Association (WHEIA)
The Washington Hunter Education Instructors' Association (WHEIA) is a registered, non-profit organization formed to promote outdoor safety, game management and positive outdoor ethics.

WHEIA members are active in supporting a number of hunter education-related activities, including:

• Bowhunter Education
• Washington Outdoor Women
• Terry Hoffer Memorial Hunter Education Instructors' Award
• Annual Instructor's Jamboree
• Quarterly Instructor's Newsletter

Membership is open to all individuals, organizations and corporations which support WHEIA goals. WDFW staff are always looking for additional, qualified men and women to serve as hunter education instructors. Potential instructors must be at least 21 years of age to apply.

Annual dues are $25 per year for active hunter education instructors, and $20 for associate membership for non-instructors.

The corporate address for WHEIA is 28116 SE 221st Street, Maple Valley, Washington 98038.

The annual hunter education Jamboree is held during the first weekend of June, and all instructors--both WHEIA and non-WHEIA members--are invited to join in the fun and fellowship. Please contact Madge or Lyle for more details.

Don't stand on the sidelines: Join WHEIA and help us grow and promote safety and responsible behavior afield!

Right now, additional instructors and teaching teams are needed in Chelan, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, and Yakima Counties.