Hunter Education

Q: Do I need to take a Hunter Education course?

A: All hunters born after January 1, 1972 are required to show proof of hunter education course completion or a previous Washington hunting license before purchasing a new hunting license.

Q: How can I find out if Hunter Education classes are being held in my county?

A: Hunter Education classes are listed on the WDFW Website. Advanced Hunter Education is a home-study option. Contact the Hunter Education office in Olympia at (360) 902-8111 for more information.

Q: I lost my Hunter Education Card. How do I obtain a duplicate?

A: Duplicate hunter education cards cost $8. To obtain a duplicate card, you must complete and return a special application form -- available from regional Department of Fish and Wildlife offices or from the Olympia hunter education office. Please note that each application form is a special, "machine-read" form, and photocopies or fax copies are not acceptable. You may contact Olympia hunter education staff and request a duplicate application form at (360) 902-8111, or you may e-mail your request to huntered@dfw.wa.gov.

Please allow two weeks to process a duplicate hunter education request via mail.

Duplicate hunter education cards are now permanent, credit-card size plastic cards. Anybody who has successfully completed hunter education training in Washington State is eligible to purchase a duplicate hunter education certificate. Additionally, anybody who has completed an approved hunter education training course in other states may also purchase a duplicate Washington certificate if they enclose a photocopy of their original hunter education certificate along with their check and application form.

Increasingly, states require proof of hunter education training prior to purchase of an initial hunting license. The State of Colorado, for example, requires all hunters born after January 1, 1949 to show proof of hunter education course completion. If you hunt out of state, it may be wise to obtain a duplicate hunter education certificate before you leave home!

Q: Where can I learn more about Hunter Education?

A: See the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education webpage.