Hunter Education

Upcoming Classes

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 must have completed a hunter education course and show the certificate to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin. Wisconsin law requires anyone under the age of 16 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 while hunting or using a firearm for any purpose. However, young people who complete the hunter education course and receive a certificate are eligible to hunt and use firearms without supervision at age 14.

The hunter education course instills in students the knowledge and skill to be a responsible and safe hunter. The basic course consists of 10 lessons during a minimum of 10 hours. Students learn how hunting accidents are caused and how they can be prevented. Hunter responsibility and safety are stressed throughout the classes, which consist of lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, practical exercises, and individual study and activity assignments.

Hunter education graduates receive a certificate that is accepted in every state, Canadian Province, and Mexico.

For Wisconsin residents, a Wisconsin certificate is valid in lieu of a small game hunting license from the date of issuance until March 31 of the following year. Also, first time graduates may receive a free Special Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag. This carcass tag is valid for an antlerless deer during any open season with the appropriate license and corresponding weapon. This tag can only be obtained at a DNR Service Center.

Course Objective

To reduce the potential for hunting accidents, injuries and fatalities; to reduce the potential for conflict between hunters, landowners, and other resource users; and to promote safe, responsible, and ethical use of the environment and our resources.

Course Content

1. Our hunting heritage, hunting firearms, and equipment.
2. Understanding firearms; basic safety rules for hunters and shooters.
3. Proper care, cleaning, and storage of firearms and equipment.
4. Marksmanship fundamentals.
5. Responsibilities of hunters for our environment, wildlife, landowners, and others.
6. Wildlife identification and habits. USGS Waterfowl Identification guide (exits DNR site).
7. Field care of harvested game.
8. Handling outdoor emergencies.
9. Wildlife management; law enforcement and the student's role in the future of hunting.
10. How hunting accidents are caused and how they can be prevented.

Who is eligible to take a class

Anyone of any age can take the class. Those that meet the course requirements will receive a safety education completion certificate.

However, it should be noted that persons younger than 12 may lose some of the benefits of the certification (small game hunting privilege, authorization to shoot an antler less deer during the first gun deer season after graduation) if they take the class sooner than age 12. The department encourages people to wait until they turn 12 within 6 months of completion of the course before taking it.

Length of Course

Minimum 10 hours. The average length is 18 hours.

Cost of Course

Beginning Monday October 3, 2005 the cost of course is $10 per student.

Class Availability

Varies depending on area of the state and time of the year. There is at least one class per county per year. Go to our Upcoming Classes page to check latest availability.