Hunter Education Updates:

Summary: 

SB 15-226 was passed in May of 2015 and updated the hunter education (HE) statute. In order for CPW to implement these changes, new regulations needed to be made. A small committee of personnel from the Law Enforcement Unit, the Information and Education branch, and various field staff came together to craft a new regulation. CPW was able to utilize the two-step regulation re-view process through the PWC to facilitate the creation of Parks and Wildlife Regulation 002(L). Below is a list of key highlights of the new bill and regulation. These changes take effect April 6, 2016.

Apprentice License:

 A free, one (1) year waiver from hunter education requirement, after which the hunter must obtain HE certification (card) to continue hunting.

 Valid April 1– March 31 annually (much like small game or fishing license).

 Apprentice must be 10 or older, but has to conform to all rules pertaining to licensing (i.e., a 10 year old hunter cannot obtain a big game license).

 Apprentice must be accompanied by a mentor who is 18 or older, has hunter education card or is age exempt.

 Apprentice shall be in voice and visual contact with a mentor at all times.

 Mentor can accompany two (2) apprentices in the field.

 Mentor must carry proof of HE (if required) and age while in the field.

 When checking a customer in the field or at an office, “apprentice hunter” will print on the second panel of the license with all other valid licenses.

Test-Out 50+ :

 Test is available online only!

 Must have a CID prior to taking online test.

 The Test-Out will cost $25, can be taken on a mobile device.

 Test-Out is a one (1) time opportunity to prove HE knowledge.

 Must pass with 90% or better. If failed, can to take HE class, or obtain apprentice license.

 Test must be completed in one internet session and will be timed.

 After passing test, customer will be issued a HE number electronically. Customer will have to wait up to 24 hours before purchasing a license. The 24 hours is required because there is a once-a-day download from the online provider to CPW to transfer customer informa-tion. Once that happens, the information is then verified to their CID.

 Customer will not receive a HE card, and if they need one, they can go to any agent and purchase the $5 replacement card via TLS.

 When checking in the field or at offices, HE number will look like TS###### (all cur-rent HE numbers begin with two (2) alpha characters and are followed with six (6) numeric characters).

Test-Out Military Personnel: 

 U.S. Military defined in 002(L) as active-duty, reserve-duty, veteran, and National Guard.

 Same test and standards as 50+ Test-Out (see previous page).

 Test is available online only!

 After passing the test, must print and bring certificate and military I.D. to CPW of-fice.

 We accept the following military IDs:

     DD 214

     DD Form 2

     DD Form 2765

     Active, retired, veteran military identification card;

     A current Colorado Drivers License or state issued identification card with the word “veteran” printed on it as specified in 42-2-303(5)(a) C.R.S.

    VA medical card.

 HE number is printed on their passing test certificate.

 CSRs need to verify HE number to customer’s CID.

 Customer will not receive a HE card, and if they need one, they can go to any agent and purchase the $5 replacement card via TLS.

 When checking in the field or at offices, HE number will look like TM###### (all cur-rent HE numbers begin with two (2) alpha characters and are followed with six (6) numeric characters).