A free two-day course is coming up for youth who want to get ready for the spring hunting season and be able to participate with their families in the great outdoors.

Polk County’s latest Hunter Safety Course is scheduled for February 23 and Feb. 25, 2021 from 6 to 10 p.m. on both nights.

Those interested must pre-register at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com to be able to participate.

The hunter safety courses are a requirement for those who want to obtain a license or hunt with their parents. Anyone aged 12 to 15 who goes hunting with an adult guardian who has a license and hasn’t completed the course is breaking the law. Residents under the age of 15 can obtain a young sportsman license.

Cpl. Chad Cox, the local game warden, said that hunters who want to obtain a license must take the course by the age of 16 to be eligible. He suggested that youth take the course around the age of 10.

A 50 question exam is required to pass the course before completion. Licenses for hunters aged 16 to 64 are $15 annually.