Investing in Education: Celebrating Illinois’ Volunteer Instructors and Modernizing Hunter Safety Registration

Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Safety Education Section relies on the passion and expertise of hundreds of dedicated volunteer instructors to deliver Safety Education across the state. From veterans who have taught for decades to new faces joining the mission, these volunteers are at the heart of IDNR’s effort to create safe, responsible outdoor recreational users. In June 2025, the Safety Education Division of IDNR hosted a landmark at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield—a gathering designed not only to celebrate their service, but to invest in their continued growth. At the same time, the agency rolled out a long-awaited modernization: online registration for the Illinois Hunter Safety Course, streamlining access for future hunters and reducing barriers to participation. Boaters, snowmobilers and trappers—we are working behind the scenes to bring this registration access to your programs, too!

Celebrating Service, Building Skills

The Instructor Workshop, held June 20–22, 2025, welcomed more than 100 volunteer instructors from all corners of Illinois. This was the first full-scale, in-person event of its kind in almost 10 years, offering a rare opportunity for instructors to gather under one roof to share best practices, receive specialized training, and build stronger connections across the statewide network.

The weekend kicked off with keynote speaker Andrew McKean of Outdoor Life. McKean is a hunting and conservation editor for Outdoor Life and shared great words of energy with the instructors. His sentiment echoed throughout the event, as instructors were recognized not only for their years of service but also for the countless lives they’ve impacted—young hunters who’ve gone on to enjoy safe, ethical experiences in the field thanks to the foundation laid by their instructors.

Breakout sessions offered hands-on learning opportunities on topics such as effective tools for use in a boat safety presentation, using the most updated tree stand safety techniques in a hunt safety course, incorporating inert firearm activities into a hunter safety course, and the introduction of an online student registration system.

The Launch of Online Registration

Instructors weren’t the only ones experiencing change. On July 1, 2025, IDNR officially launched online registration for all Hunter Safety Education courses in Illinois, including the mandated Field Day for some online course graduates. The new system, accessible here, allows students and parents to browse upcoming classes, filter by location or format (in-person or field day) and complete registration in just a few clicks. This modernization is a direct response to feedback from the public and volunteer instructors alike, who have long advocated for a more streamlined, accessible registration system. Up to the July 1 change, class registration often required many phone calls and filling out paper forms—an outdated process that could discourage participation, especially among first-time hunters or nontraditional students.

The online system not only improves access for students but also empowers instructors with real-time rosters, automated communication tools and easier attendance tracking. We are most excited that instructors will be able to spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what they love—teaching safe recreational outdoor skills.

Looking Forward

The synergy between this summer’s instructor workshop and the launch of online registration signals a new chapter in Illinois’ hunter education program—one that honors tradition while embracing innovation. IDNR’s Safety Education Section remains committed to supporting its volunteers and meeting the evolving needs of today’s outdoor community.

Volunteer instructors were integral in shaping the new registration platform, providing input on features, user experiences and how the system could enhance—not burden—their work. Their fingerprints are all over this new chapter, a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives Illinois’ safety education mission.

While technology is an important tool, it’s the people behind the lessons—the instructors, resource persons and program coordinators—who make the difference. Every outdoor recreational user who enters the field with knowledge, confidence and respect for nature is a direct reflection of the time and heart that Illinois volunteer safety education instructors put into their teaching.

As we look ahead to the fall hunting season, IDNR invites anyone interested in giving back to their community and promoting safe, ethical outdoor recreation to consider becoming a certified volunteer instructor. If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer, training resources, and a supportive network await.

Because in Illinois, hunter safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a legacy.