Washington State
law requires all individuals born after 1 January 1972 to show proof
of basic hunter education training before purchasing a hunting license.
There are no exceptions to the law. Classes are offered year-round
and interested individuals are encouraged to enroll in classes as early
as possible. Summer and fall classes fill up rapidly and there may not
be available spaces for late season classes.
There is no minimum
age required to enroll in hunter education, but instructors may require
a parent or guardian to attend all classes if students are under 12
years of age.
Individuals who
have a previous Washington hunting license or a valid Washington hunter
education training certificate need only show these documents to a license
vendor in order to purchase a new, hunting license.
Non-resident hunters
born after January 1, 1972 are also required to prove successful completion
of hunter education training before purchasing a hunting license. Please
plan non-resident hunting license purchases in advance! Failure to present
the necessary documentation to the hunting license vendor will lead
to disappointment!
Individuals who
have successfully completed hunter education training in other states
need only show their out-of-state hunter education certificate at the
time of license purchase. Please note that an out-of-state license is
not the same as a hunter education certificate.
The 2007 Washington
State Legislature approved a measure (SHB
1249) that allows a one-year, once-in-a-lifetime deferral of hunter
education training. The deferral option is available to individuals
who are accompanied by an experienced hunter who has held a Washington
hunting license for the previous three years. A $20 application fee
is required. Application forms must be returned to:
Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife
Enforcement Program – Hunter Education Division
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
Course Content.
Hunter education classes focus on three broad topical areas:
(1) Firearms and
outdoor safety;
(2) Wildlife management; and,
(3) Hunter responsibility.
The average class
includes 4 - 6 sessions spanning 16+ hours.
Successful students
must pass a written test, demonstrate safe firearms handling skills
and a positive attitude.
All hunter education
classes are taught by instructors certified by the Department of Fish
and Wildlife.
Hunting Safety.
Both hunters and the non-hunting public are concerned about hunter safety.
Click for more information on hunting accidents.
Basic training
is required for all types of hunting. In other words even if you
only plan to hunt with a bow you must successfully complete basic hunter
education training.
Basic
Hunting
Required
for all first-time Washington hunters born after January 1, 1972
Bowhunting
Voluntary program
not required in Washington State to bowhunt
Trapping
Required for
all first-time Washington trappers
Students
Enrolled In Online Hunter Education
