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FWC Announces Free Hunter Safety Field Day Courses in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties
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 preparing for the upcoming hunting seasons have several opportunities this September to complete their state certification. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a schedule of free, in-person field day hunter safety internet-completion courses across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with sessions slated for Molino, Jay, and Milton.
The courses are structured to help participants develop safe firearm handling practices, gain practical outdoor knowledge, and understand the foundational principles of wildlife conservation. By completing both the online coursework and the in-person field training, participants obtain the state certification required to hunt unsupervised throughout Florida.
Course Schedule and Local Sites
The upcoming sessions are scheduled across several convenient community locations in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to accommodate working families and students:
Escambia County
- Molino: Thursday, September 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Molino Community Center.
Santa Rosa County
- 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.
- 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
The field day sessions serve as the practical, hands-on conclusion to the FWC hybrid hunter education format. Prior to attending an in-person field day, participants are required to complete an FWC-approved online hunter safety course. Attendees must bring either a printed or digital copy of their course completion voucher or certificate to gain entry to the field day session.
All necessary instruction materials, firearms, and ammunition for the training are provided free of charge by the FWC. Students do not need to bring their own firearms or ammunition to the classroom sessions. Participants are asked to bring their own note-taking materials, such as a pen or pencil and paper.
For youth participants, safety and parental consent are central components of the program. Any student under the age of 18 must present a completed and signed parental release form before participating in the coursework and live-fire exercises.
Why it matters here
Hunting and wildlife management remain deeply rooted traditions across Northwest Florida, from the rural timberlands of northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to the coastal waterways near Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pace, and Pea Ridge. Ensuring that the next generation of sportsmen is properly trained in firearm safety, ethical harvest practices, and conservation principles protects both individual hunters and the wider public.
Under Florida law, anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, is required to successfully pass an approved hunter safety course and hold a valid Florida hunting license in order to hunt unsupervised. Because Florida’s certification is recognized reciprocally across all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, local residents who earn their credentials here are also qualified to pursue hunting opportunities nationwide without needing duplicate certifications.
By offering these courses free of charge and utilizing local public facilities such as community centers and extension offices, the state lowers the barrier for young people and families seeking to participate responsibly in outdoor recreation.
Background and Registration Details
The FWC hunter safety curriculum emphasizes safe firearm handling in the home, vehicle, and field, alongside tree stand safety, basic first aid, wildlife identification, and an understanding of state wildlife laws. Practical field days allow certified instructors to evaluate a student’s hands-on handling skills and judgment before granting full certification.
Those interested in attending one of the upcoming September sessions must register in advance through the official state portal. Space may be limited depending on classroom capacity at each facility.
Registration can be completed online via the FWC Hunter Safety Portal at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety. Residents with questions regarding course prerequisites, accommodations, or scheduling can contact FWC Safety Coordinator Jeff Schumacher directly by telephone at (850) 767-3612.
Sources
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