As winter approaches, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is urging snowmobile and off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) enthusiasts to register for free safety education classes. The department has announced in-person Snowmobile Safety Education Classes are now available, with sessions filling up quickly. State law requires anyone 12 or older operating a snowmobile or OHRV in New Hampshire to either hold a valid driver’s license or complete an approved safety education course.

These in-person classes, led by certified instructors from the Fish and Game Department, aim to educate participants on safe riding practices and state regulations. Those interested can sign up through the department’s website.

For those seeking flexibility, an online version of the course is also available. Captain Michael Eastman, who coordinates the OHRV and Snowmobile Education and Law Enforcement division at Fish and Game, highlighted the advantages of the online option. “The virtual course allows students to learn at their own pace using live-action videos and interactive modules,” Eastman said. Priced at $34.95, the online course can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, or computers, offering a convenient alternative for busy schedules.

Even after completing the course, young riders under 14 are required to have a licensed adult over 18 supervising them when operating a snowmobile or OHRV, even on family property.

Fish and Game also encourages snowmobile and OHRV riders to join one of the many local clubs, which offer additional opportunities for learning, camaraderie, and trail maintenance support. “Joining a club helps promote safe riding and supports local landowners and trail upkeep,” said Eastman. There are over 100 snowmobile clubs and 26 OHRV clubs in the state, which can be found on the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association and New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association websites.

In addition to education efforts, Fish and Game Conservation Officers will conduct patrols throughout the winter, focusing on impaired driving, speed enforcement, and illegal off-trail riding to ensure the safety of the state’s trails.

For more information or to register for a course, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game website.