Hunter Education
The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free hunter education courses throughout the year in all 100 counties. More than a firearm safety course, instruction includes ethics and responsibility, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.
There are no minimum age requirements, however, classes are taught at a sixth grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. Courses are a minimum of 6 hours, taught by wildlife officers, hunter education specialists and certified volunteer instructors, and certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.
Due to hunter education, hunting accidents have decreased significantly over the last twenty years making hunting one of the safest recreational activities.
Log In, Create An Account and Reprint Your Certification Card or call 833-950-0575
Instructor-Led Courses
Register for an instructor-led Hunter Education Certification course near you.
If you do not wish to complete certification using the in-person course option, the virtual course option and online-only option are still available.
Please note that some course locations may have guidelines and restrictions in place. Make sure to check facility information when registering for a course.
If you need any accommodations to attend this program or event, please contact the Wildlife Education Division.
Online Courses
Currently, there are four online hunter education courses (with varying fees) that provide a convenient alternative to the classroom course. Once the online hunter education course is completed, you can print your temporary hunter education card to purchase your NC hunting license.
The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free hunter education courses throughout the year in all 100 counties. More than a firearm safety course, instruction includes ethics and responsibility, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.
There are no minimum age requirements, however, classes are taught at a sixth grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. Courses are a minimum of 6 hours, taught by wildlife officers, hunter education specialists and certified volunteer instructors, and certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.
Due to hunter education, hunting accidents have decreased significantly over the last twenty years making hunting one of the safest recreational activities.
Next Steps
The Learn to Hunt program is designed for new hunters with workshops spanning several game species like waterfowl, upland game, turkey, deer, squirrel, and bear. After completing your Hunter Education Course, register for free workshops on scouting and game recovery, shooting, gear demonstrations, and hunting strategies.