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IDNR Classes
The purpose of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Safety Education Division is to promote public safety and environmental stewardship by providing comprehensive education and training programs related to outdoor recreational activities. These programs are designed to ensure that individuals participating in activities like hunting, boating, trapping, and snowmobiling are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so safely and responsibly.
Key goals of the division include:
- Reducing Accidents: By offering safety courses that cover proper techniques, regulations, and best practices, the IDNR Safety Education Division helps prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities in outdoor activities.
- Promoting Conservation: The division educates the public about the importance of preserving natural resources, wildlife, and habitats, fostering a sense of responsibility toward protecting the environment.
- Ensuring Compliance with State Laws: Many of the safety courses provided by the IDNR are required by law for individuals to obtain licenses or permits for hunting, boating, and other outdoor activities. These courses ensure that participants understand and comply with state and federal regulations.
- Fostering Ethical Behavior: The division emphasizes ethical outdoor behavior, teaching hunters, boaters, and others about the importance of safety, respect for wildlife, and consideration for other outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, the IDNR Safety Education Division plays a critical role in maintaining public safety, enhancing outdoor experiences, and ensuring that Illinois’ natural resources are enjoyed responsibly for generations to come.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
With the large number of students that attend hunter/boater safety classes in Madison County, we will employ the following guidelines:
- Students under 10 years of age should sit near the front of the classroom with their parent.
- If you plan to stay with your student who is 10 or older, please indicate this on the registration form. Either by noting a plus 1 or registering youself.
- Many times, the class is quite full so we need an accurate count of how many bodies will be in the classroom.
- If your student is confident enough to sit alone or with a friend, you are welcome to sit in the back to allow room for the students who are there to learn about safety.
- Walk-in’s are not allowed. Space is limited and therefore if you are staying you must be registered!
ONLINE/ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOK LINKS:
2025 BOATER EDUCATION TEXTBOOK
2025 HUNTER EDUCATION TEXTBOOK
2025 SNOWMOBILE EDUCATION TEXTBOOK
*** Please download books ahead of time as there may not be internet access available at the course. ***
Hunter Education – April Class
Dates: April 18, 2024 @ 8AM to 4PM and April 19, 2024 @ 8AM to 11AM
Location: Highland Pistol and Rifle Club @ 13312 Bellum Rd, Highland, IL 62249
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. Lunch will be provided by available for purchase from the club.
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Boater Education – IHSA Boater ONLY CLASS
*** NOTE THIS IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE IHSA BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT ***
*** IDNR STAFF AND KEY INSTRUCTORS WILL BE ONSITE TO PREFORM THIS CLASS DON’T MISS OUT ***
*** IDNR OFFICERS ONSITE DOING SAFETY CHECKS AND LIVE BOAT DEMOS! ***
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Date: June 5, 2025 @ 7:30am to 4:30pm
Location: LITHIA SPRINGS MARINA | 2060 E. 1500 NORTH ROAD | LAKE SHELBYVILLE, IL 62565
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. A light lunch will be provided (Sponsors Welcomed).
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Hunter Education – October Class – FULL CLASS
Dates: Columbus Day Holiday Day – October 13, 2024 @ 8AM to 6PM
Location: Edwardsville Gun Club @ 4104 Staunton Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. Lunch will be provided by available for purchase from the club.
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Hunter Education – November Class – Field Day
Dates: November 8, 2024 @ 8AM to 6PM
Location: Highland Pistol and Rifle Club @ 13312 Bellum Rd, Highland, IL 62249
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. Lunch will be provided by available for purchase from the club.
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Hunter Education – November Class – FULL CLASS
Dates: November 28, 2024 @ 8AM to 6PM
Location: Highland Pistol and Rifle Club @ 13312 Bellum Rd, Highland, IL 62249
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. Lunch will be provided by available for purchase from the club.
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Hunter Education – December Class – FULL CLASS
Dates: December 29, 2024 @ 8AM to 6PM
Location: Edwardsville Gun Club @ 4104 Staunton Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. Lunch will be provided by available for purchase from the club.
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Boater Education – March Class
Date: March 14, 2026 @ 8:00am to 4:00pm
Location: West Access Marina @ 14222 Lake Rd, Carlyle, IL 62231
Notes: Please bring snacks, and drinks. A light lunch will be provided ($10.00).
For More Information Email: [email protected]
Registration Link: Click Here
Last Updated: 01 April 2025