Hunter Education
Who is required to have it? How do I get Certified?
Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Minimum age of certification is 12 years and cost is $10.
If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:
- under 12 years of age, you must be accompanied*.
- age 12 through 16, you must successfully complete a hunter education course, or you must be accompanied*.
- age 17 and over, you must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied*.
New - Hunter Education Deferral (cost: $10) Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to one year. A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current license year. A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral. Take the course by August 31 of the current license year and receive a $5 discount. The new, one-time Hunter Education Deferral is scheduled to be available at license vendors and go into effect September 1, 2004.
*Accompanied means: By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.
How do I get certified?
There are now 3 different ways to get your Hunter Education Certification
Traditional Classroom Instruction
The traditional Hunter Education course is a minimum of 10 hours over two days. The schedule of course offerings is available at several locations:
- Your local Texas Parks and Wildlife Department office.
- TPWD Austin headquarters at 1-800-792-1112, ext. 62.
- Check local sporting or 4-H clubs, scouting organizations and community education centers. Many offer hunter education courses.
- The TPWD web site (see course listing on the left side of the page under Hunter Education Links).
OR
Home Study and Skills Trail Testing
Now you can study in the convenience of your home and then attend a one-day, hands-on Home Study/Skills Trail testing. This course will meet the mandated hunter education requirements for Texas and all other states and provinces.
OR
Online Course and Skills Trail Testing
It is also possible to take the online Hunter Education course on our web site, print out your quiz results and then attend the one-day Home Study/Skills Trail testing to receive your certificate.
Hunter Education Online Course
Hunter education teaches hunting safety, skills and responsibility. Since 1972, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has certified over 570,000 Texans. "Mandatory" hunter education became law in 1988.
Hunter Education is the first step in a lifelong commitment to conservation and sportsmanship. Your responsible efforts will safeguard hunting opportunities and adventures in the great outdoors. Your contributions through federal sports tax dollars will continue to conserve our natural resources for today's and future generations. We thank the outstanding hunters of yesterday and welcome you as we continue the heritage of hunting in Texas.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744