The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office again has hunter safety and recreation courses scheduled, after what became a statewide fight over whether classes could take place during the COVID-19 crisis.
Earlier this year, the Department of Natural Resources decided to stop hunter and other outdoor recreation safety training classes because of fear of spreading coronavirus. The DNR ended the in-person portion of the training that is required to graduate and be eligible for a hunting license. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office had canceled their classes as a result, putting out a statement apologizing for having to turn away students, but saying it was beyond their control. The DNR decision to cancel in-person training generated a lawsuit by a hunter advocate group and pushback from a number of republican lawmakers.
Since then, the DNR has reversed course, and will allow In-person hunter and recreational vehicle education classes to resume July 13th under a set of guidelines and safety protocols.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s office will offer hunter safety courses July 20th through the 22nd. Morning or afternoon sessions are available. Separate two session boating safety and ATV safety courses are scheduled for July 24th and 25th.
