Alaska Muzzleloader Education Course

Hunter in the field

The muzzleloader education course provides "hands-on" instruction related to:

  • safe handling of black powder and black powder substitutes
  • use of muzzleloaders at the range and in the field

This course is required of all hunters wanting to hunt in a "Muzzleloader Only" area or who want to apply for any "Muzzleloader Only" permit hunt.

The muzzleloader education course also covers firearms safety, wildlife conservation, being a responsible/ethical hunter, shot placement, and ballistic information relevant to hunting with a muzzleloader. Muzzleloader education classes are taught by dedicated volunteer instructors who commit valuable time and expertise.

ALASKA MUZZLELOADER EDUCATION COURSE:

The Alaska Muzzleloader Education certification course is composed of two parts — the online course plus an in-person field day.

Step 1: Complete the Online Muzzleloader Education Course

Complete the online portion of the muzzleloader education course (6-8 hours and includes a written test). The online course costs $34.50 and can be accessed at: https://www.hunter-ed.com/alaska/muzzleloader.html

Step 2: Receive a Field Day Qualifier Certificate

Once you pay and pass the online course, you will receive a Field Day Qualifier Certificate via email. After 1-3 days, you will be able to sign-up online to attend an in-person Muzzleloader Education Field Day.

Step 3: Sign-Up to Attend an In-Person Field Day

Field Days are listed according to location/city on the ADF&G website. Use your Field Day Qualifier Number to enroll in a specific Field Day.
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntered.onlinecourses&classtype=m
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntered.field

Step 4: Attend an In-Person Field Day

The Field Day is 3-4 hours and is administered by certified volunteer instructors. The Field Day will include a short discussion on "Muzzleloader Only" hunts and regulations in Alaska, safety review of powder use, range safety protocol, and a required shooting proficiency. All applicants for muzzleloader education certification must successfully complete a standardized proficiency shoot. Each student must use their OWN muzzleloader firearm, projectiles and powder. Only blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitutes are allowed. Smokeless powder is NOT allowed. The proficiency shoot must be completed with a muzzleloading firearm that meets the current state requirements for big game "Muzzleloader Only" hunts. The minimum caliber is .45, and scopes are NOT permitted. There is no additional fee for the Field Day.

Once you've completed all of the above steps, you'll receive your Muzzleloader Education Certification Card in the mail.

In-Person Field Day Details

Muzzle loader training range scene

The field day associated with the Muzzleloader Education Course will be 3-4 hours depending on the amount of students attending. The Field Day will be administered by certified volunteer instructors and will include a short discussion on "Muzzleloader Only" hunts and regulations in Alaska, safety review of powder use, range safety protocol, and a required shooting proficiency.

All applicants for muzzleloader education certification must successfully complete a standardized proficiency shoot. Each student must use their OWN muzzleloader firearm, projectiles and powder. Only blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitutes are allowed. Smokeless powder is NOT allowed. The proficiency shoot must be completed with a muzzleloading firearm that meets the current state requirements for big game "Muzzleloader Only" hunts. The minimum caliber is .45, and scopes are NOT permitted.

The proficiency shoot must be completed on targets provided by the certified volunteer instructor. The proficiency shoot is designed to demonstrate that a student is knowledgeable and proficient with their own muzzleloading firearm and supplies. The student will choose a shooting position (standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone) and cannot have the aid of any external rest (except shooting sticks). The student must place four out of five shots within an 8" bullseye at 50-yards, or a 4" bullseye at 25-yards. Since the students are demonstrating proficiency with their own firearm, we are looking for bullseye accuracy, not a "group".

NOTE: Due to time constraints, volunteer instructors will not spend time teaching you how to use your muzzleloader. You must come prepared to shoot. Past experience has shown that students who show up unprepared will likely fail the proficiency shoot - it is imperative that you practice, practice, practice before taking the course.

Additional Options for Field Day

Since Alaska is one of only a few states that offer a muzzleloader education certification course, we understand that hunters from other states or those located in remote regions of Alaska, might have difficulty attending a scheduled muzzleloader education field day in our more urban locations. In these cases, the following applies:

  • For Non-Residents: After you have successfully completed the online portion of the course, Alaska will allow a "certified proctor" in your state to conduct the shooting proficiency test for the required Field Day. A "certified proctor" will include any current NRA Instructor, NMLRA Instructor (National Muzzleloader Rifle Association), Range Safety Officer, or any active IHEA Volunteer Instructor (International Hunter Education Association). The proctor will be required to provide their current certification number to be valid. It will be your responsibility to locate a proctor in your area. You will also receive a copy of the current Alaska Game Regulations and required field day material that applies directly to hunting in Alaska with a muzzleloader. You must read and understand this material. Once you have completed the online portion of the course, please contact Kirk Lingofelt (907-267-2373) or by email kirk.lingofelt@alaska.gov to receive the required packet for your Field Day.
  • For Alaska Residents: A number of muzzleloader field days will be offered in every region of the state of Alaska throughout the year. As the need arises, additional field days can be added to the schedule, based on volunteer instructor availability and location of requests. Utilizing a "certified proctor" will only be approved on a case-by-case basis for students living in areas where a field day has not been offered. A "certified proctor" in Alaska would include any current NRA or NMLRA Instructor, Range Safety Officer, IHEA Volunteer Instructor, ADF&G employee, Wildlife Trooper, Village Public Safety Officer, or Wildlife Refuge Officer. Please contact Kirk Lingofelt (907-267-2373) or by email kirk.lingofelt@alaska.gov for more information.

Click here to enroll in the Online Muzzleloader Education course
View the Muzzleloader Education Field Day schedule
Click here to sign up for a Field Day