Complete A Hunter Safety Course
At the time this was written, 36 of 50 states in the U.S. and a majority of provinces in Canada (Canadian hunters, check out huntercourse.com and send us some feedback) required new hunters to complete a Hunter Safety Course before they can legally take any next steps such as procuring a hunting license and/or permits.
That means before you can obtain any of the documentation legally required to hunt, your state is probably going to want proof that you've learned where not to point the barrel of the gun.
There are two routes you can take from here:
- Online
- In-Person
Completing a course online means doing so on your own time. This is especially helpful if you're unable to give up a weekend, which is often when the live, state-provided courses are held. The primary downside is that you'll likely have to pay for the online course because they're administered by private, for-profit companies.
They tend to be affordable, however. A typical state-approved course might run between $15 and $40. If you prefer to do this from the comfort of home, chances are your state has already approved a course offered by the following company:
Before you click that link, watch the brief video below to help decide whether an online or in-person session is best for you.
Now that you have the info, all that's left to do is sign up for one of the freebie courses your state likely provides; or open a new tab and literally get started on Hunter-Ed from your couch right now
If you're going the free in-person route, something like "Hunter Education Class Near Me" in your favorite search engine should do the trick.
Just make sure you're enrolling in something provided by your state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish & Wildlife agency. These courses can only be administered by state-licensed instructors, so make sure you're getting the real deal!
One more thing for you couch surfers:
In some cases (and depending on your age), even after completing the online course you may still be required to attend a "Field Day." This typically takes 4-6 hours and provides some hands-on experience with an instructor.
Field Days are beneficial because you'll gain hands-on experience using some of the equipment and handling weapons while touching on some concepts we'll cover more in-depth later in this series.
The obvious downside is that you have still have to show up at some point.
Whichever way you choose to go, one thing is certain: For beginners, every minute in the presence of an experienced hunter is time well spent.
You'll hear us say this a lot throughout the guide, but when it comes to legal requirements, do not take anyone's word for it. Not friends. Not family. Not blogs or publications, no matter how reputable. Check information like this directly at your state's Department of Natural Resources website.
In this case, FWS (Fish & Wildlife Service) was kind enough to compile a map/list of all 50 state DNR websites and link directly to the pages pertaining to licensing requirements. Scroll down to be directed to the FWS page. You'll be referring to your state's fish & game agency website often moving forward.
Quiz Time!
Next Steps
Bookmark this link: https://www.fws.gov/offices/index.html
You'll refer to it often as you complete Section 1 of this tutorial.
In our next lesson, we'll start walking you through how to acquire the documentation such as hunting license and permits so you're legally compliant once the season arrives.
Even if you're finding our course in the Spring and are thinking "why would I do this six months in advance?" Well, you may not be allowed to acquire tags or license without proof of having completed Hunter Safety / Hunter Education so it's important you do this well in advance of deer season as courses often fill up.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Hunter Safety Course!
***Editor's note: Regardless of whether your state legally requires completion of a Hunter Safety Course before procuring a hunting license, we strongly encourage you to complete one online or in-person. You'll be glad you did.
Disclaimer
Except where expressly otherwise stated, Sportsman 101, its owners, personalities, guests or affiliates are not employees, members or agents of any government organization. Said company, owners, personalities, guests and affiliates are not registered attorneys or legal professionals, licensed physicians, or any other profession which would qualify them to provide legal, health or safety advice; especially when said advice contradicts the advice of any legal, health or safety professional.
The views, opinions, instruction and examples provided throughout this course are designed to make the research and learning processes easier and more accessible to every student. They are NOT substitutes for students doing their own research with regard to matters concerning the health, safety and legal compliance of themselves and/or any associated persons or property.
While the safety, well-being and good legal standing of its students and the people/property around them are the very top priorities of the company, neither Sportsman 101 LLC nor any of its owners, personalities, guests or affiliates will be held liable for damages resulting in physical, psychological, financial or legal harm to any student, person or property; even as a direct result of implementing instruction found in this course. Health, safety and legal compliance are the sole responsibility of the students themselves.
Sportsman 101 is not affiliated with any accredited school, high school, college, university or other higher education institution. By purchasing this course, students are not enrolled at a state or federally recognized institution. The lessons provided herein are for the personal enjoyment and enrichment of those who choose to complete them, and the examples and materials provided are strictly for illustrative purposes. These examples are not meant to construe actual laws or regulations in real time, as such laws and regulations vary widely by state, province, region and country; and all laws are subject to change. No example should be considered legal advice, even if said example illustrates a law, regulation, or common practice in your specific state, country or region. Do your research. Know the law.
This course and any other offered now or in the future from Sportsman 101 was designed to make outdoor recreation more accessible to more people by teaching them HOW TO LEARN about best practices, local regulations, etc. NOT by teaching students any specific practice, regulation, law, etc.
Sportsman 101 uses state- or region-specific examples to illustrate common practices and/or regulations as a means of assisting students who may not know what to expect or where to begin their research. The research process may often begin with information and/or examples found in this course, but it should never end here.
All questions pertaining to the health, safety or good legal standing of any student, associated person, entity or property should be directed to the appropriate professionals, including but not limited to: State resources such as websites, up-to-date print materials (hunting/trapping digest or handbook), or employees of Department of Fish & Game, Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Parks & Wildlife or State Police; federal resources such as National Forest Service, National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management; legal resources such as a licensed attorney; and health resources such as a licensed medical professional.
Participating in outdoor recreation of any kind can pose legal, health and safety risks. Hunting is no exception, and often represents an even greater degree of challenges and risks. The responsible sportsman/woman is one who takes ownership for the safety and well-being of themselves and those around them.