WHAT ARE HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS?

Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors are representatives of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Hunter Education Program. They are representatives of the tradition of the hunt. They are expected to be professional level instructors who are knowledgeable about all aspects of the Hunter Education Course. Instructors are expected to be ethical and responsible hunters who can pass on the traditions of the hunt in a manner that brings credit to the sport and to those who participate in the hunt. Instructor conduct, in and out of class, must be above reproach.

Why should you become an instructor? Contribute to the community; desire to work with young people; desire to pass along the tradition to the next generation of hunters; desire to teach the ethics and responsibilities of the hunt; concern for the future of hunting; appreciation of the natural world and many others. Most often the unstated reason involves a deep love for the hunt and all that goes with it that must be shared and passed on.

After July 1st, 2025, all instructors will be classified as certified instructors once they have completed the application; passed the background check; and completed the required trainings.  Instructors are authorized to teach all content in the hunter education classes. Additional certifications are required to instruct live fire of muzzleloaders and to offer the hybrid performance evaluation.

Being an Instructor involves a commitment to spend the time and personal resources necessary to become certified, remain certified and most importantly to make yourself available to assist other instructors in the conduct of Hunter Education classes. The Hunter Education Program does not reimburse Instructors for the time spent in training or conducting classes and does not routinely reimburse you for the cost of using your personal vehicle.

What can instructors expect?

Instructors should expect to put fourth the necessary time to prepare class lesson plans and set-up for a class. Instructors should spend time preparing hands-on, engaging lessons to effectively teach the content.

You will be expected to portray a favorable image of hunters, hunting, and Hunter Education; to be a positive role model for the students as well as the community at large. Any action that brings discredit can result in revocation of instructor certification.

Certification as a Hunter Education Assistant Instructor requires the following:

When all these steps are completed and upon passing a detailed background check you will be certified as a Hunter Education Assistant Instructor.

1. Submit an application to the Hunter Education Section in Pratt.
2. Pass an annual background check.
3. Complete the online or in-person instructor certification course.
4. Complete an online or in-person update meeting.

Full details of the requirements for completion of each step will be provided by the Hunter Education Section upon acceptance of your application.

Instructor Application