Hunter Safety Programs

According to the International Hunter Education Association, hunter safety programs reduce the number of injuries and fatal shooting accidents. In many states, new hunters are required to pass a safety course before being issued a license. Some states limit the requirement to youth, but others require hunters of all ages to take a safety course.

California

• Gun safety is an important part of hunter education.

  California requires all new hunters to pass a 10-hour safety course through the state Department of Fish and Game before being licensed. A portion of this course can be taken online, but at least four hours of the program need to be completed with a certified instructor. You learn firearms handling and safety, ethics, sportsmanship, wildlife identification, conservation and management, game care, archery and black powder shooting, survival and first aid. It is possible to challenge the course by taking the examination without taking the class, but not all states accept a challenge certificate in place of actual course completion. There is no minimum age for enrolling in the program, but the course may be too difficult for younger children. Parental participation is encouraged.

Virginia

• All hunters are required to pass Virginia's safety program.

  Hunter education is mandatory in Virginia for 12- to 15-year-old hunters, as well as first-time hunters of all ages. Shooting accidents related to hunting have decreased 25% since the implementation of this program in 1988. The program focuses on the principles of sportsmanship, conservation and hunting safety. Every year, 900 volunteer instructors work together with 160 full-time conservation police officers to educate approximately 14,000 new hunters. A portion of this class is taken online, then you must complete a written test and an in-person skills assessment to receive a certificate of completion. There is no charge for participating in the hunter education program.

Iowa

• Learning to respect the rules is part of a hunter safety program.

  Iowa's hunter education program is a free, 10-hour course required of all hunters born on or after January 1, 1972. A hunter 11 years of age can enroll, but he will not be issued a hunting license until his 12th birthday. Older students are able to purchase a hunting license as soon as the course has been satisfactorily completed. Iowa also accepts hunter safety program completion certificates from other states and some other countries. You can take either the classroom training program or the online version. Either choice must be accompanied by in-person participation in the hands-on portion of the course. Once all requirements are completed and you pass the final exam, you will be issued a certificate of completion and be eligible to purchase a license.