Students across Tennessee may soon have a new class option in school after a recently passed law opens the door for hunter education courses.
The new legislation, signed by Gov. Bill Lee on March 26, allows local school districts and public charter schools to offer hunter education classes to students in grades 5 through 12. The law took effect immediately after being signed.
Under the law, schools are not required to offer the course. Instead, each district can decide whether to include it and how it will be taught. If offered, the class can be incorporated into physical education, health, or safety instruction.
The curriculum must be approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, ensuring that it meets state standards for hunter safety and education.
Students who take the course will learn key topics such as firearm safety, hunting laws, and conservation. The program is also designed to give students the opportunity to earn school credit while completing the same hunter safety certification required for hunting in Tennessee.
Lawmakers behind the bill say the goal is to introduce students to hunting traditions, promote responsible firearm use, and teach wildlife management. Supporters also argue that the course provides access for students who may not otherwise be exposed to hunting or outdoor education.
With the law now in place, school systems across the state can begin adding the course at any time, depending on local interest and resources.