How do I get a Hunting License?
Are you a new hunter? Are you trying to figure out what you need to do to go hunting for the first time? You’re not alone!
Across North America, thousands of new hunters enter the field every year. For most, the first step is to take a Hunter Safety Education Course, and pass a Hunter Education Test that will let them purchase a hunting license. All states and provinces require hunters to carry a hunting license when hunting.
Get Started
What’s a Hunting License?
Usually issued by state or provincial wildlife agencies, a hunting license can be either in the form of a card or a certificate – in some cases you will get both. Your hunting license allows you to purchase hunting tags and enter draws, and it acts as proof of passing a hunter safety education course. Your proof of hunter education is also recognized across North America and many other countries abroad.
The age at which you can buy a hunting license differs from state to state, and province to province, but most require that you first take a Hunter Safety Education Course and Test before you can buy a hunting license.
What is Hunter Education?
Formal Hunter Education appeared over 70 years ago to help ensure public safety. Over the years, hunter safety education has evolved to include classroom instruction by certified hunter safety instructors as well as online education programs that are approved by wildlife agencies.
Almost all states and provinces now allow some portion of the required hunter safety course to be taken online, which reduces the amount of time that new hunters have to spend in the classroom.
In most states and provinces the online portion is followed up by a hands-on field day with a Hunter Education Instructor. This follow-up class or field day is used to complete the certification process to get your hunting license. The hunter education test might include a final written exam, hands-on evaluation, and/or a review of specific hunter safety material.
As Easy as 1, 2, 3
Engaging and convenient, online hunter education has become a popular choice for new hunters. By taking online hunter education, getting your hunting license is easy as 1, 2, and 3.
- Study and Pass the Online Course
- Pay the One-Time Fee and Print your Online Voucher
- Attend your State/Provincial Follow-up Class and Get your Hunting License
Get Started
Online-Only Hunter Education and License Tests
There are also some jurisdictions that now allow new hunters to take their entire hunter education course and test online. Fourteen states and one province now offer a complete online-only hunter education program, allowing you to get your hunting license completely online as long as you meet certain age and state/provincial requirements.
Get your Hunting License today!
Ready to get started? To see if you can take all or some of your Hunter Safety Education Course online, check out HUNTERcourse.com.