Reasonable Accommodation Request for Services If you need an accommodation for your disability please fill out the following information and return it to the Hunter Education Instructor at least fifteen (15) days prior to the class.

Hunter Education

Hunter Education Courses

Class Schedules and Information

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

Online Hunter Education Information

• Online Hunter Education Classes
• Field Evaluation Sessions

NOTE TO ONLINE STUDENTS: If you are taking an online course DO NOT register online for a basic class range/skills evaluation.

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.

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. For more information on hunting accidents, see: Hunting Incidents and Safety Information

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.

Hunter Education Deferral

The 2007 Washington State Legislature approved a measure 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. See more information here.

Hunter Education Course Evaluation

Help develop the best training program possible by taking a few moments to complete the evaluation form below. Please let us know what you think about the recent hunter education course you completed. No signature or name is required.
Hunter Education Course Evaluation Form