Best Online Hunter Safety Course By State
Choosing the best online hunter safety course options isn't always as simple as it sounds.
Hunter education is required in every state, but the programs themselves aren't always state-run. Instead, each state's wildlife agency sets the rules—such as minimum study hours, topics covered, and testing standards—while approved providers deliver the courses.
These online classes are tailored to each state's regulations, and the final certification still comes from the state agency itself.
In practice, this means the "best" course depends on your state and your situation.
Some states let you finish certification 100% online, while others require a field day or skills session—especially for younger hunters.
Either way, once you've completed the approved path, you'll earn a certification card that allows you to legally buy a license and head into the field with your hunting gear.
States allowing 100% hunter safety course online completion
The following states currently allow eligible hunters (usually adults over a certain age) to complete their hunter safety certification fully online with no field day requirement:
- Alabama – Online-only for 16+
- Alaska – Online-only for 18+
- Arizona – Online-only for 18+
- Hawaii – Online-only for all ages (license age rules apply)
- Idaho – Online-only for 18+
- Illinois – Online-only for 18+
- Indiana – Online-only for all ages (youth may need supervision)
- Kansas – Online-only for 16+
- Kentucky – Online-only for all ages
- Louisiana – Online-only for 16+
- Michigan – Online-only for 18+
- Minnesota – Online-only for 18+
- Mississippi – Online-only for all ages (under 12 must hunt with adult)
- Missouri – Online-only for 16+
- Montana – Online-only for 18+
- Nebraska – Online-only for 16+
- Nevada – Online-only for 18+
- New Mexico – Online-only for 18+
- New York – Online-only for 11+
- North Carolina – Online-only for 18+
- North Dakota – Online-only for 18+
- Ohio – Online-only for 18+
- Oklahoma – Online-only for 10+
- Oregon – Online-only for 18+
- Pennsylvania – Online-only for 16+
- South Carolina – Online-only for 12+
- South Dakota – Online-only for 18+
- Tennessee – Online-only for 12+
- Texas – Online-only for 17+
- Virginia – Online-only for 12+
- Washington – Online-only for 18+
- West Virginia – Online-only for 15+
- Wisconsin – Online-only for 18+
- Wyoming – Online-only for 18+
Best online hunter safety course by state
Alabama
Alabama hunter education is state-mandated, with an online study option plus pathways that may include a field day depending on age and course type.
Completion mode:Online course; younger students commonly complete a field day or in-person session (age rules vary).
Caveats:Carry proof of certification when buying a license; check age thresholds and apprentice/mentor options.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed, HUNTERcourse, NRA Online Hunter Education (availability can vary by season).
Alaska
Alaska offers state-approved online hunter education with species- or method-specific add-ons (e.g., bowhunter, muzzleloader) and occasional field components.
Completion mode:Online coursework; some certifications require a field day or proficiency test.
Caveats:Bowhunter/muzzleloader certifications often need an in-person shoot, and hunters should review Alaska hunting regulations for additional seasonal requirements.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed, Bowhunter-Ed; state-run sessions for shooting proficiency where required.
Arizona
Arizona recognizes online hunter education for many students, with supplemental field or range work required in certain tracks or ages.
Completion mode:Online option widely available; field day may be required for youth or specific endorsements.
Caveats:Instructor-led classes are periodically offered; check age minimums for online-only completion.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed, HUNTERcourse; Bowhunter-Ed for archery-specific certification.
Arkansas
Arkansas provides online hunter education aligned to state standards; minors frequently need a follow-up in-person component.
Completion mode:Online course with possible field day for younger hunters.
Caveats:Hunter Education Card is required for certain license purchases and age groups.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed; Bowhunter-Ed for archery endorsement.
California
California uses a hybrid format: complete a state-approved online course, then attend a mandatory in-person follow-up session before certification.
Completion mode:Online + required 4-hour (minimum) in-person follow-up.
Caveats:Seats for the follow-up fill early during peak seasons; plan ahead.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed; in-person follow-up scheduled through the state's portal.
Colorado
Colorado supports online study with a concluding in-person class or test-out pathways for qualifying hunters.
Completion mode:Online course + in-person conclusion (varies by pathway); test-out option for experienced adults is periodically offered.
Caveats:Bowhunter/muzzleloader may need additional proof of competency.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed, HUNTERcourse; Bowhunter-Ed for archery.
Connecticut
Connecticut's hunter education includes online coursework with scheduled field or range sessions, especially for first-time or youth hunters.
Completion mode:Online + field day skills evaluation for most first-time certifications.
Caveats:Some specialty certifications (archery, firearms) require separate sessions.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed; Bowhunter-Ed for archery modules.
Delaware
Delaware recognizes online courses that lead to state certification; many students, particularly youth, complete a field day component.
Completion mode:Online course with field day commonly required for initial certification.
Caveats:Check for apprentice licenses as a bridge option if you're close to a season opener.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed; Bowhunter-Ed for archery.
Florida
Florida offers an online course paired with a required field day for most new hunters, with alternative tracks for adults available at times.
Completion mode:Online + mandatory field day for standard pathway.
Caveats:Adult online-only or "convenience" tracks may be offered; check current FWC guidance.
Typical approved providers:HUNTERcourse, Hunter-Ed; Bowhunter-Ed for archery.
Georgia
Georgia provides a state-approved online course path and traditionally requires in-person skills verification for certain ages or course choices.
Completion mode:Online option; youth commonly need a field day or instructor-led alternative.
Caveats:Age thresholds determine whether online-only completion is allowed.
Typical approved providers:Hunter-Ed, HUNTERcourse; Bowhunter-Ed for archery certification.
Hawaii
Hawaii requires hunter education for anyone wishing to purchase a hunting license. The state offers both classroom and online options, with the online course accepted for certification.
Completion mode:100% online option available.
Caveats:Certification must be obtained before applying for tags or licenses.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Hawaii Course)
Official page:Hawaii DLNR – Hunter Education
Idaho
Idaho provides an online course with an optional in-person field day for younger students. Adult hunters can often complete certification fully online.
Completion mode:Online-only available for adults; youth may need a field day.
Caveats:Apprentice licenses exist for those not yet certified.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Idaho Course)
Official page:Idaho Fish & Game – Hunter Education
Illinois
Illinois offers a state-approved online hunter safety course that can be completed entirely online by qualifying participants.
Completion mode:100% online option available for adults.
Caveats:Youth participants may be directed to in-person or hybrid courses.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Illinois Course)
Official page:Illinois DNR – Hunter Safety
Indiana
Indiana allows online completion of hunter education for both adults and youth, making it one of the more accessible programs.
Completion mode:100% online option available.
Caveats:Apprentice licenses also available as an alternative.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Indiana Course)
Official page:Indiana DNR – Hunter Education
Iowa
Iowa hunter education can be started online, with youth hunters often required to complete an additional field day or in-person course.
Completion mode:Online with field day requirement for younger hunters.
Caveats:Adults may have online-only paths available.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Iowa Course)
Official page:Iowa DNR – Hunter Education
Kansas
Kansas offers online hunter education paired with a required field day for younger hunters, while adults can often complete certification online only.
Completion mode:Online + field day for under 16; online-only available for 16+.
Caveats:Apprentice licenses available as an alternative.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Kansas Course), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:Kansas Wildlife & Parks – Hunter Education
Kentucky
Kentucky recognizes online courses as valid hunter education certification for many hunters, with exemptions for short-term permits.
Completion mode:Online-only available.
Caveats:Exemptions for one-year permits without education card; field day not required for standard online certification.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Kentucky Course)
Official page:Kentucky Fish & Wildlife – Hunter Education
Louisiana
Louisiana allows online hunter education with in-person field days required for youth hunters under a certain age threshold.
Completion mode:Online with field day required for students under 16.
Caveats:Online-only available for 16 and older.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Louisiana Course)
Official page:Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries – Hunter Education
Maine
Maine offers online hunter safety with mandatory skills and exam days for most participants. Adults may have online-only options during certain periods.
Completion mode:Online + mandatory skills/field day for most hunters.
Caveats:Occasional adult-only online waivers may be offered.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Maine Course)
Official page:Maine IFW – Hunter Education
Maryland
Maryland provides an online course followed by a required field day for younger hunters. Adults may have more flexibility depending on the course track.
Completion mode:Online + mandatory field day for most participants.
Caveats:Apprentice licenses can be used while waiting for field day availability.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Maryland Course)
Official page:Maryland DNR – Hunter Education
Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires hunter education for new hunters. Online options are available, often with an in-person field component.
Completion mode:Online with required follow-up in-person session.
Caveats:Certain specialty courses (archery, muzzleloader) may require additional training.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Massachusetts Course)
Official page:MassWildlife – Hunter Education
Michigan
Michigan hunters can take a state-approved online course, with youth hunters often required to attend a field day.
Completion mode:Online + field day for youth; online-only option for adults.
Caveats:Apprentice licenses also available.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Michigan Course), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:Michigan DNR – Hunter Education
Minnesota
Minnesota offers an online option with required field day for youth, while adults can complete entirely online.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for under 18.
Caveats:Bowhunter and muzzleloader certifications require additional courses.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Minnesota Course)
Official page:Minnesota DNR – Hunter Education
Mississippi
Mississippi allows online completion of hunter education for most hunters, with youth participants sometimes needing in-person components.
Completion mode:Online-only for most hunters; field day may be requested for younger students.
Caveats:Youth under 12 must be accompanied by a certified adult hunter while in the field.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Mississippi Course)
Official page:MDWFP – Hunter Education
Missouri
Missouri hunters can take the course online, with a skills session or field day required for those under a certain age threshold.
Completion mode:Online-only for 16+; online + skills session for under 16.
Caveats:Apprentice hunter permits available as a temporary option.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Missouri Course)
Official page:Missouri Dept. of Conservation – Hunter Education
Montana
Montana offers an online hunter education course with a required field day for youth, while adults may complete online-only.
Completion mode:Online-only for 18+; online + field day for under 18.
Caveats:Bowhunter education is a separate certification track.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Montana Course)
Official page:Montana FWP – Hunter Education
Nebraska
Nebraska offers online hunter education with an in-person Hunt Safe Session required for younger students; adults often qualify for online-only completion.
Completion mode:Online-only for 16+; online + Hunt Safe/field day for under 16.
Caveats:Bowhunter education is a separate certification for archery seasons.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Nebraska), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:Nebraska Game & Parks – Hunter Education
Nevada
Nevada recognizes a 100% online course for most adults, while youth typically complete a follow-up field day.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for youth.
Caveats:Carry your Nevada Hunter Education Card when purchasing licenses.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Nevada)
Official page:Nevada Dept. of Wildlife – Hunter Education
New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers online hunter education paired with a required in-person field day for most new hunters.
Completion mode:Online + mandatory field day/skills session.
Caveats:Separate bowhunter and trapper education courses are available.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (New Hampshire)
Official page:NH Fish & Game – Hunter Education
New Jersey
New Jersey uses a hybrid model: complete the online course, then attend a range/field session before certification.
Completion mode:Online + required field/range day.
Caveats:Firearm and bow certifications are distinct; you may complete both.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (New Jersey)
Official page:NJ Fish & Wildlife – Hunter Education
New Mexico
New Mexico accepts an online hunter education option for many learners; youth often require a field day depending on course track.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for youth (varies by age).
Caveats:Carry certification card when applying for big-game draws.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (New Mexico)
Official page:New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish – Hunter Education
New York
New York offers a 100% online hunter education option for eligible ages, plus separate online courses for bowhunter and crossbow where applicable.
Completion mode:100% online available for 11+ for basic hunter education (check current DEC guidance).
Caveats:Bowhunter education is a separate requirement for archery seasons.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (New York), Bowhunter-Ed (NY)
Official page:NYS DEC – Hunter Education
North Carolina
North Carolina accepts online hunter education certification; youth may need additional in-person elements depending on age.
Completion mode:Online-only commonly accepted for adults; youth may require field components.
Caveats:Separate bowhunter certification recommended for archery seasons.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (North Carolina), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:NC Wildlife Resources Commission – Hunter Education
North Dakota
North Dakota provides online hunter education with a field day generally required for youth; adults often have online-only options.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for youth.
Caveats:Additional archery or muzzleloader education may be needed for specific seasons.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (North Dakota)
Official page:ND Game & Fish – Hunter Education
Ohio
Ohio offers online and in-person pathways. Many adults can certify fully online; youth courses often include a field day.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for youth.
Caveats:Apprentice license is available while completing education.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Ohio)
Official page:Ohio DNR – Hunter Education Courses
Oklahoma
Oklahoma recognizes online hunter education, with a field day typically required for younger hunters.
Completion mode:Online-only for 10+ (check current age rules); field day for younger students.
Caveats:Apprentice licenses can bridge to full certification.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Oklahoma), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation – Hunter Education
Oregon
Oregon provides online hunter education with a required field day for students under a certain age; adults can often complete online-only.
Completion mode:Online + field day for youth; online-only for many adults.
Caveats:Bowhunter education is recommended/required for certain seasons and areas.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Oregon), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife – Hunter Education
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers both in-person and online options; many adults can complete 100% online, while youth pathways may include an in-person component.
Completion mode:Online-only widely available; instructor-led classes also offered.
Caveats:Free NRA online hunter education may be accepted; confirm current acceptance.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Pennsylvania), iLearnToHunt (PA)
Official page:PA Game Commission – Hunter-Trapper Education
Rhode Island
Rhode Island uses an online course with a required field day/skills evaluation for most new hunters.
Completion mode:Online + mandatory field day.
Caveats:Separate archery and muzzleloader courses available.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Rhode Island)
Official page:RI DEM – Hunter Education
South Carolina
South Carolina recognizes an online hunter education course; younger hunters commonly need a field day to finish certification.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for youth.
Caveats:Apprentice permits available for first-time hunters.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (South Carolina), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:SC DNR – Hunter Education
South Dakota
South Dakota provides online options with a required field day for youth; many adults can complete certification entirely online.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults; online + field day for youth.
Caveats:Bowhunter education recommended for archery seasons.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (South Dakota), HUNTERcourse.com
Official page:SD Game, Fish & Parks – Hunter Education
Tennessee
Tennessee offers both online and in-person hunter education. Adults can often certify online-only, while youth under 12 may require field days or supervision.
Completion mode:Online-only for many adults; field day required for younger hunters.
Caveats:Youth under 10 are exempt from certification but must be with a certified adult.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Tennessee)
Official page:Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – Hunter Education
Texas
Texas requires hunter education for most hunters born after 1971. Adults 17+ can complete it entirely online, while younger students must attend an in-person course.
Completion mode:Online-only for 17+; under 17 must attend classroom or field course.
Caveats:Deferral option available for one season if course isn't complete before hunting.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Texas), HUNTERcourse.com, NRA Free Course
Official page:Texas Parks & Wildlife – Hunter Education
Utah
Utah provides a state-approved online course, followed by a mandatory field day for most new hunters.
Completion mode:Online + required field day.
Caveats:Bowhunter education is a separate course for archery permits.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Utah)
Official page:Utah DWR – Hunter Education
Vermont
Vermont offers both classroom and online courses, usually paired with a mandatory field day.
Completion mode:Online + required field day.
Caveats:Bowhunter education is required for archery licenses.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Vermont)
Official page:Vermont Fish & Wildlife – Hunter Education
Virginia
Virginia allows 100% online completion for adults. Youth under 12 must complete an in-person field day.
Completion mode:Online-only for 12+; under 12 must attend a classroom/field day.
Caveats:Bowhunter education is a separate requirement for archery licenses.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Virginia)
Official page:Virginia DWR – Hunter Education
Washington
Washington offers multiple hunter education pathways, including online-only for adults and hybrid courses for youth.
Completion mode:Online-only for adults 18+; online + field day for under 18.
Caveats:Waivers may apply for military veterans or active duty personnel.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Washington)
Official page:WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife – Hunter Education
West Virginia
West Virginia provides online hunter education options, with younger hunters often needing a field day.
Completion mode:Online-only for 15+; under 15 must complete an in-person or field day course.
Caveats:Apprentice hunting licenses available as a temporary option.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (West Virginia)
Official page:WV DNR – Hunter Education
Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires hunter education for all first-time hunters. Adults 18+ can complete online-only certification, while youth must attend a field day.
Completion mode:Online-only for 18+; online + field day for under 18.
Caveats:Mentored hunting programs available while awaiting certification.
Approved providers:Hunter-Ed (Wisconsin), iLearnToHunt (Wisconsin)
Official page:WI DNR – Safety Education
Wyoming
Wyoming offers online hunter education with a required field day for younger hunters, while many adults can complete certification fully online.
Completion mode:Online-only for 18+; online + field day for under 18.
Caveats:Separate bowhunter certification available.
Approved provider:Hunter-Ed (Wyoming)
Official page:Wyoming Game & Fish – Hunter Education
District of Columbia & U.S. Territories
Hunter education requirements differ outside the 50 states:
District of Columbia: No hunting seasons, therefore no hunter education requirement.
Puerto Rico: Hunting is regulated; the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources requires hunter education. Online course: Hunter-Ed (Puerto Rico).
Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands: Hunting opportunities exist, but no standardized hunter education system. Most accept valid U.S. state-issued hunter education cards for license issuance.