Hunter Education

Hunter Educators provide an invaluable service in sharing knowledge and talents with youth and adults on hunting safety and skills that are critical to the future of the hunting heritage. The Arizona Game and Fish Department strives to maintain a safe and productive workplace with honest, trustworthy, reliable and qualified volunteers. We require a selection process to all prospective volunteers and this process varies programmatically, according to the nature and degree of responsibility in the work to be done. 

Overview:

As a Volunteer in the Hunter Education program, no matter your position title, you have volunteered for a very important role in our program and will be a highly visible representative of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Not only will you represent the Department, but the public will look to you to demonstrate what it means to be a responsible and ethical hunter. The public you encounter will form an opinion of you, the Department, and other hunters in general based on your conduct. You are responsible for imparting the knowledge needed to help other hunters increase their hunting knowledge, improve skills and safety, and become informed custodians of Arizona wildlife resources. This is not a duty to be taken lightly.

• Help plan and deliver Hunter Education courses and field days
• Able, but not required, to register and lead Hunter Education courses and field days
• Help promote Hunter Education by providing support at outreach events and programs approved by AZGFD

Requirements for volunteers include:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have access to email
• Acquire and maintain a DPS Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Certification will be denied or revoked if an individual is unable to obtain a DPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card (Per A.R.S. 41-1758)
• Teaching experience is highly desirable, but not required.
• Hunting experience, safety training, outdoor survival skills, organizational skills, public speaking experience, knowledge of bowhunting, muzzleloading, or other specialty hunting techniques are also valuable.

The Volunteer Hunter Educator responsibilities include:

• Assist with at least two (2) HE courses per year
• Submit all course paperwork on time
• Complete ten (10) approved continuing education credits per year
• Verify contact information and desire to continue serving as a Hunter Educator at the end of each calendar year
• Notify Hunter Education Staff promptly of changes in name, phone, address or email
• Follow all HE policies & procedures and code of conduct
• Be honest and open with staff regarding intent, goals, needs, and skills so that we can ensure that you are placed in the best possible volunteer capacity 
• Dress in an appropriate & professional manner
• Give accurate information to the public in a positive and polite manner
• Respect AZGFD & the HE Program, remembering that you represent them

To begin the process of becoming a certified Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor, you will need to follow the steps below:

1. Hunter Education Volunteer Application - Complete and submit the online form. Once your online application is complete, our Hunter Education staff will be notified. 

2. Phone Interview - After we review the application, you will be contacted within a week for a short phone interview. 

3. Online Training - If selected to continue as a Hunter Education Volunteer, you will need to complete all required online training through the state's TraCorp system. Instructions will be emailed to you after the phone interview.

4. In-Person Training Course - You will receive an invitation to an in-person training course. These are available in different regions depending on scheduling availability. 

5. Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card - You will need to obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card through AZ Department of Public Safety. The Hunter Education Program covers the cost to obtain this card. Instructions will be given to complete this process. 

Click here to begin the process and complete the Hunter Education Volunteer Application.