Hunter Education

Before you begin:

Hunter Ed Course Options:

The following three (3) course types are based on age. Choose the one  that works best for you, a family member or friend inquiring about the course. Minimum age for certification is 9 years. (See FAQs.)

OPTION 1. CLASSROOM 

  • For all ages - REGISTER here - CLASSROOM COURSE. 
  • No preparation required; $15 (check/cash) paid directly to instructor.
  • Description: 6 hours of basic instruction in firearm and hunting safety, legal and ethical hunting practices, nomenclature and a final exam. Class hours may be extended to cover added topics.
  • Added fees for range or facility use may be required.

OPTION 2.   Internet + FIELD

*Free* INTERNET COURSES Available at  link below (See Part 2.).

  • For all ages - REGISTER here FIRST - FIELD COURSE.
  • Complete a *FREE* INTERNET COURSE. Note: Two (2) commercial courses listed (Be A Safe Hunter and NRA) are available FREE-of-charge ONLY for those under 17; FREE TPWD Course is available to anyone taking a FIELD Course.) 
  • If you are under 17, Do NOT 'pay-for' a commercial course (from search engines). 
  • Field Course FEE is $15 (check/cash) paid directly to instructor. (Exceptions possible).
  • Description: 4 hours (min.) of field instruction including ethics discussion, simulated or live-fire activities, "hunter skills" trail and final exam.
  • Added fees for range use may be required.
  • See Internet + Field Course for additional instructions.

OPTION 3.   Online-only (Only for those 17 years of age or older)

COURSE FEE varies based on third-party provider selected.

  • Go to: Hunter Education Online-Only Courses and register with any of the approved Online Providers.
  • Fee paid directly to Provider (online payment).
  • Description: Online-only courses cover the knowledge it takes to be a safe, responsible hunter.
  • Temporary 60-90-day certification is available from Online Provider. Provider uploads data within 21 days and an email link is sent from Texas Parks and Wildlife once permanent certification is available.
  • En español: curso en línea

"Hunter Education Deferral."  (17 + ONLY)

Cost: $10. Available wherever hunting licenses are sold. Allows hunters age 17 or older to defer completion of hunter education for up to a year, as long as the person is accompanied* by a hunter who has: 1) completed hunter education, or 2) is exempt from the requirement (born before September 2, 1971). A Deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the license year purchased. A hunter who has been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for violating the mandatory hunter education requirement may not apply for a deferral.

* Accompanied means within normal voice control 

Information for other states