Thank you for your interest in becoming a Kansas Hunter Education volunteer instructor. Instructors play an important role to continuing the American heritage of responsible and safe hunting and trapping. This is truly a rewarding experience, as one helps students take this necessary step in developing the skills and knowledge to be hunters and trappers. Please read these instructions, complete the application and submit it to start the certification process.
ELIGIBILITY
All potential applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Those under the age of 18 will automatically be considered "apprentice instructors," until they turn 18
- Be of good moral character and have no serious legal convictions
- A criminal background check, wildlife violations background check, and sex offender registry check will be conducted. Violations do not always result in declining the application, but intentional omissions on this form will result in automatic disqualification
- Have good communication skills
- Hunting experience preferred, but not required
- Must have a KDWP Customer ID #
- Must have successfully completed a hunter education course before submitting an application.
APPLICATION AND INITIAL SCREENING
- Complete the application and submit it electronically OR you may send a printed application to KDWP Hunter Education, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124. This application must be completed in its entirety; incomplete applications will be returned. Contact information must be accurate and up-to-date. If you have questions, please contact the Hunter Education staff at 620.672.0773
- Once submitted and reviewed by staff, the applicant will be issued an instructor number and will be entered into pending status. All applicants will be subject to a criminal background check (NCIC & KBI). Individuals with a criminal history may be denied certifications using these guidelines:
- Any felony conviction will be grounds for disqualification;
- Applications will be held without action pending the outcome of unresolved charges;
- If any conviction or judgment results in loss of the right to own firearms the applicant is disqualified;
- Any person who has been adjudged a sexual offender is disqualified;
- Recent criminal activity (within 2 years) is evaluated based upon the severity of the problem
- Violation of any Wildlife and Parks Law or Regulation is evaluated based on its severity and its effect on the individual as a role model for the students.
- If the background checks are favorable, the applicant will be contacted by the hunter education staff.
- With final approval from the coordinator, new instructors will be provided with next step instructions, including, but not limited to, new instructor training(s), that must be completed within 12 months from the application date. Instructors are also expected to attend an annual update meeting.
- Instructors are required to instruct at least one course per year and maintain their certification status through workshops provided by KDWP or approved partners. Acceptable forms of instruction include: a hunter education class, advanced hunter education class, mentored hunt(s), and/or approved outreach events.
