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Free FWC Hunter Safety Course Field Days Slated for Escambia and Santa Rosa
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering free hunter safety field day courses across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this September, with upcoming training sessions scheduled in Molino, Jay, and Milton.
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Outdoor enthusiasts and young hunters across Northwest Florida can now complete their state certification for upcoming hunting seasons. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a free in-person FWC hunter safety course schedule across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Meanwhile, instructors will hold field day sessions in Molino, Jay, and Milton this September.
These courses teach participants safe firearm handling practices and practical outdoor skills. In addition, students learn core principles of wildlife conservation. Participants earn the state certification needed to hunt unsupervised in Florida after completing the coursework.
Schedule for Florida Hunter Education Sites
State officials scheduled several sessions in local community centers to help working families and students attend:
Escambia County Hunter Safety
- Molino: Thursday, September 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Molino Community Center.
Santa Rosa County Hunter Safety and Milton Sessions
- Jay: Thursday, September 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Jay United Methodist Church.
- Milton: Thursday, September 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Santa Rosa County Extension Office for local Milton hunter safety students.
- Live-Fire Range Day: Tuesday, October 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton.
Requirements and Preparation
These field day sessions serve as the hands-on conclusion to the hybrid state training format. However, participants must complete an approved online course prior to attending. Attendees must then bring a printed or digital copy of their completion voucher to enter.
The FWC provides all necessary instruction materials, firearms, and ammunition at no cost. Therefore, students do not need personal gear at the classroom sessions. Organizers ask participants to bring note-taking materials such as paper and pens.
Youth safety remains a central focus for program leaders. Also, any student under 18 must present a signed parental release form before joining live-fire exercises.
Why Hunter Education Matters Locally
Hunting and wildlife management remain deep traditions across Northwest Florida. Communities value these skills from rural northern timberlands to coastal waterways near Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pace, and Pea Ridge. Training new sportsmen in firearm safety protects both hunters and neighbors.
Florida law requires anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, to pass an approved hunter safety course. Hunters must also hold a valid license to hunt unsupervised. Because all 50 states recognize Florida certifications, local residents can also hunt nationwide without repeating coursework.
The state hosts these sessions in public buildings like community centers and extension offices. Consequently, these free offerings remove cost barriers for local families.
Curriculum and Registration Details
The curriculum emphasizes firearm handling in vehicles, homes, and woods. Lessons also cover tree stand safety, first aid, wildlife identification, and state hunting regulations. During field days, certified instructors evaluate student handling skills and judgment.
Prospective students must register online in advance. Space remains limited based on classroom seating limits at each site.
Applicants can register directly on the state portal at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety. Residents can also call FWC Safety Coordinator Jeff Schumacher at (850) 767-3612 with questions about course rules or scheduling.
Sources
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