Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Hunter Education Program staff are not in the office every day. For prompt service, email us (hunter@dec.ny.gov). Please do not call and leave a voicemail if you have access to email; this will help prevent delays in service.
Student learning how to safely
handle a firearm
On This Page:
Hunter Education Course
The NY Hunter Education course (Hunter Safety course) is required to purchase a hunting license in New York. The course covers the necessary safety techniques and responsibilities that a hunter must know when using a gun, muzzleloader, crossbow or bow to pursue wild game.
In-Person, Instructor-Led Hunter Education Course
You must register for in-person, instructor-led courses. Check back often as new courses are added each week. Most courses are offered between March and September.
All in-person courses are free.
*Do not wait until just before the hunting season to take a class. Classes fill quickly, so it is important to sign up early.
All In-Person Hunter Education Courses require:
1. The completion of homework prior to attending an in-person course. Proof of completed homework must be brought to the in-person course. The homework can take several hours to complete.
2. Participation in an in-person course that is a minimum of 7 hours in length. These courses may be scheduled for one full day or split up into several shorter time frames over several days.
Register for an In-Person, Instructor-Led, Hunter Education Course
Register for a Hunter Education Course (leaves DEC website). You must attend the entire in-person instruction portion of the course on the date(s) and at the location indicated on the course schedule listing.
Homework and Study Materials
Choose one of the following ways to obtain the study materials and complete the required homework. You must bring the completed homework with you to an in-person course.
Note: If you completed the online hunter education course, you should bring your certificate to the in-person course as proof of completion of homework. No additional homework is needed.
| Download/Print *Requires a printer and Adobe Reader Free Software |
Hard Copy *Requires travel or time to mail |
|---|---|
| Follow the links below to download PDFs of the Today's Hunter Manual and worksheet. You must print and complete the Hunter Education Homework Worksheet. Download Today's Hunter Manual (leaves DEC website) Print the Hunter Education Homework Worksheet (leaves DEC website) You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course. |
The Today's Hunter Manual and Hunter Education Homework Worksheet can be picked up at most DEC Wildlife offices or may be available for pick up at other locations as specified in the instructions given when you register for a course. Due to COVID, most DEC offices are closed to the public. Call the office if you need to pick up course materials. Find a DEC Wildlife Office near you. |
General Course Details and Requirements
Course Topics Covered
- Firearm and crossbow handling and safety techniques
- History of firearms
- Knowledge of firearms and ammunition
- Proper gun handling and storage
- Marksmanship fundamentals
- Hunting laws and regulations
- Principles of wildlife management and wildlife identification
- Outdoor safety
- Hunter ethics
- Hunter responsibility toward wildlife, the environment, landowners, and the general public
Age Restrictions/Requirements
Students must be 11 years or older to take this course (Note: In New York State the minimum age to hunt is 12-years old).
Students under 16 years old must have a signed permission slip (PDF) from a parent or legal guardian to allow for the handling and shooting of a firearm during this course.
Course Length
Minimum of 7 hours.
Online Hunter Education Course
You can complete all the requirements to earn a NYS hunter education certificate online. Any New York State resident age 11 or older can take the online course. If you successfully complete the course, and pass the final exam, you will receive your NYS hunter education certificate.
There are two online hunter education courses to choose from. Both courses cover the same material, but each has a different delivery method.
1.) Standard hunter education course - Read, listen, and watch. You can read the course material or have it read to you. A number of engaging videos help you learn safe hunting practices. The cost of the course is $24.95 and can be found at hunter-ed website (leaves DEC website).
2.) Interactive hunter education course - For students who may learn best by doing. Students make choices and complete in-course challenges to move through the course. The cost of this course is $49.95 and can be found at New York Interactive Hunter Safety Course Online | ilearntohunt.com™ (leaves DEC website).
Additional requirements for bowhunting big game: If hunting deer or bear with a bow, you must also take a Bowhunter Education course.
Hunter Education Certificate
Students must complete the required homework, attend all sessions of the course, demonstrate proper attitude and safety, and pass a final exam of 50 questions. After successful completion of the course, students will receive a Hunter Education Certificate of Qualification, which is required for purchasing a first-time hunting license in New York State.
Replace a lost certificate and out of state certificate requirements.
Long Island Youth Conservation Program
A two day hands-on program for the purpose of introducing 12-16 year olds to the basic principles of conservation, hunter education and general outdoorsmanship. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive their Hunter Education Training Certificate. This program is available each spring. The 2023 program will take place on April 15 and 16, 2023. Applications must be received by Wednesday, April 5 at 5 p.m. To apply for the program, complete the Application for Youth Conservation Program (PDF).
Bowhunter Education
The NYS Bowhunter Education course is required for hunters who use a bow and arrow to hunt deer or bear. While this course is not required for hunting deer with a crossbow, or for using a bow and arrow to hunt small game or turkey, DEC encourages you to take this course to learn bow and tree stand safety techniques.
Additional Requirements: Hunter Education Course is required to hunt and to obtain a bowhunting privilege.
Register for an In-person, Instructor-Led NYS Bowhunter Education Course
You must register for in-person, instructor-led courses. Check back often as new courses are added each week. Most courses are offered between March and September.
All in-person courses are free.
*Do not wait until just before the hunting season to take a class. In-person courses fill quickly, so it is important to sign up early.
All In-Person Bowhunter Education Courses require:
1. The completion of homework prior to attending an in-person course. Proof of completed homework must be brought to the in-person course. The homework can take several hours to complete.
2. Participation in an in-person course that is a minimum of 6 hours in length. These courses may be scheduled for one full day or split up into several shorter time frames over several days.
Register for an In-Person, Instructor-Led, Bowhunter Education Course
Register for a Bowhunter Education Course (leaves DEC website). You must attend the entire in-person instruction portion of the course on the date(s) and at the location indicated on the course schedule listing.
Homework and Study Materials
Choose one of the following ways to obtain the study materials and complete the required homework. You must bring the completed homework with you to an in-person course.
Note: If you completed the online bowhunter education course, you should bring your certificate to the in-person course as proof of completed homework. No additional homework is required.
| Download /Print *Requires a printer and Adobe Reader Free Software |
Hard Copy *Requires travel or time to mail |
|---|---|
| Follow the link below to download a PDF of the Today's Bowhunter Manual. You must print and complete the Bowhunter Education Homework Worksheet. Today's Bowhunter Manual and print and complete the Bowhunter Education Homework Worksheet (link leaves DEC's website). You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course. |
The Today's Bowhunter Manual and Bowhunter Education Homework Worksheet can be picked Due to COVID, most DEC offices are closed to the public. Call the office if you need to pick up course materials. Find a DEC Wildlife Office near you. |
General Course Details and Requirements
Course Topics Covered
- Aspects that make bowhunting challenging
- Becoming a more successful bowhunter
- Tree stand safety
- Bowhunting techniques
- Hunter ethics
- Hunter responsibility toward wildlife, the environment, landowners and the general public
Age Restriction/Requirement
Students must be 11 years or older to take this course (Note: In New York State the minimum age to hunt is 12-years old).
Course Length
Minimum of 6 hours.
Bowhunter Education Certificate
Students must complete required homework, attend all sessions of the course, demonstrate proper attitude and safety, and pass a final exam of 40 questions. After successful completion of the course, students will receive a Bowhunter Education Certificate of Qualification, which is required in addition to a hunting license or hunter education certificate for purchasing a first-time bowhunting privilege in New York State.
Replace a lost certificate and out of state certificate requirements.
Online Bowhunter Education Course
You can complete all the requirements to earn a NYS bowhunter education certificate online. Any New York State resident age 11 or older can take the online course. If you successfully complete the course, and pass the final exam, you will receive your NYS bowhunter education certificate. The cost of the course is $30.00. The course can be found on the bowhunter-ed website (leaves DEC website).
Trapper Education
Student learns how to properly set a trap
A New York State Trapper Education Course is required to purchase a trapping license in New York and set traps to catch wild game. Topics covered include:
- Trapping safety, techniques, ethics, and responsibilities
- Techniques to avoid catching non-target species
- Preparing pelts to produce marketable furs
- Trapping laws and regulations
Two ways to earn a NYS Trapper Education Certificate
- In-person, hands-on, instructor-led courses (recommended for younger students and those less familiar with traps and trapping)
- Mail or email based home study course
In-Person Trapper Education Course
You must register for all in-person courses.
All in-person courses are free.
All in-person trapper education courses require:
- The completion of homework prior to attending an in-person course. Completed homework must be brought to the in-person course. The homework can take several hours to complete.
- Participation in an in-person course that is a minimum of 8 hours in length. These courses may be scheduled for one full day or split up into shorter time frames over several days.
Register for an in-person Trapper Education Course (leaves DEC website)
Homework and Study Materials for In-Person Courses
Choose one of the following two ways to obtain the homework materials. You must bring the completed homework with you to the in-person course.
If you pass the course, you will receive your trapper education certificate at the end of the course.
| Download/Print *Requires a printer and Adobe Reader Free Software |
Hard Copy *Requires travel or time to mail |
|---|---|
| Follow the link below to download a PDF of the Trapper Education Manual and the Trapper Education Homework Worksheet. You must print the Trapper Education Homework Worksheet. Trapper Education Manual (PDF) Trapper Education Homework Worksheet (PDF) You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course. |
The Trapper Education Manual and the Trapper Education Homework Worksheet can be picked up at Due to COVID, most DEC offices are closed to the public. Call the office if you need to pick up course materials. |
You should also read the Best Management Practices for Trapping - free series of handbooks for humane trapping tools and techniques on capturing furbearer species. A brief overview of best management practices for trapping is available in a 2-page Best Management Practices Humane Trapping Standards handout (PDF)
Home Study Trapper Education Course
You must be a NYS resident to take the home study trapper education course.
Note: If you pass the home study course, it could take 4-6 weeks for your certificate to be mailed to you. COVID-19 related office closings or staff shortages could cause a further delay of your certificate.
To take the home study trapper education course, you must:
- Send an email to hunter@dec.ny.gov or call 1-888-486-8332 and provide the following information:
- Full legal name of the person taking the course
- Current mailing address
- Name of the NY county you live in
- Request the trapper education home study course
- Indicate if you want the course materials:
- Mailed to you (requires you to pay the postage needed to mail the completed course materials back), or
- Emailed to you (requires you to have a printer and pay the postage to mail the completed course materials back)
- Complete the entire course on your own schedule and return all written assignments to the address provided in your course packet.
- If you pass the course, your certificate will be mailed to you in 4-6 weeks.
If you are certified through the home study course, you can still take an in-person course to get hands-on experience. You must register for an in-person course, but you can show the instructor your home study certificate in place of the required in-person course homework.
Age Restrictions/Requirements
There are no age restrictions to take the Trapper Education Course. The student must be able to complete the required homework and the in-person course, and pass the written test with no more help then having the test questions read to them if needed.
(Note: Anyone over the age of 12 must purchase a trapping license to trap in New York. Those under the age of 12 may assist a licensed trapper without possessing a trapping license, as long as the person they are assisting is their parent, legal guardian, or person age 18 or older designated in writing with at least 3 years of trapping experience.)
Trapper Education Certificate
Students who successfully pass a trapper education course will receive a Trapper Education Certificate of Qualification, which is required for purchasing a first-time trapping license in New York State.
Get more details on certificates: including how to replace a lost certificate and out of state certificate requirements.
Waterfowl Hunter Education
This course is required to get an access permit for select National Wildlife Refuges and state lands open to waterfowl hunting. While this course is not required for waterfowl hunting in general, it is recommended and of value to attend.
*This is a very challenging course that requires identification of ducks under field conditions.
*All Waterfowl Hunter Education courses require the completion of homework prior to attending the course.
*Waterfowl Hunter Education courses are added throughout the year. Most of the classes are taught between March and August.
*Do not wait until just before the hunting season to take a course. Courses fill quickly, so it is important to sign up early.
Register for a NYS Waterfowl Hunter Education Course
You can register for in-person, instructor-led courses. However, due to COVID-19, the number of courses offered may be limited. Check back often as new courses may be added each week.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed in every in-person course.
All Waterfowl Hunter Education Courses require:
- The completion of homework prior to attending an in-person course. Proof of completed homework must be brought to the in-person course. The homework can take several hours to complete.
- Participation in an in-person or course that is a minimum of 3 hours in length.
Register for a Waterfowl Hunter Education Course (leaves DEC website). You must attend the entire in-person instruction portion of the course on the date(s) and at the location indicated on the course schedule listing.
Homework and Study Materials
Choose one of the following two ways to obtain the study materials and complete the required homework. Whichever option you choose to complete the homework, you must bring the completed homework with you to an in-person course.
| Download/Print *Requires a printer and Adobe Reader Free Software |
Hard Copy *Requires travel or time to mail |
|---|---|
|
Print and complete the Waterfowl Education Homework Worksheet(PDF). Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course. |
The Waterfowl Hunter Homework Worksheet, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ducks at a Distance, and the Waterfowl Seasons and Information can be picked up at most DEC Wildlife offices or may be available for pick up at other locations as specified in the instructions given when you register for a course. Due to COVID, most DEC offices are closed to the public. Call the office if you need to pick up course materials. Find a DEC Wildlife Office near you. |
General Course Details and Requirements
Course Topics Covered
- Key features when identifying birds in the field
- Waterfowl hunting rules and regulations
- Waterfowl hunter's responsibilities and ethics
- Waterfowl hunting safety
- Waterfowling ballistics
Age Restrictions/Requirements
None.
Course Length
Minimum of 3 hours.
Waterfowl Hunter Education Certificate
Students must complete required homework, attend all sessions of the course, demonstrate proper attitude and safety, and pass a final exam of 25 questions. After successful completion of the course, students will receive a Waterfowl Education Certificate of Qualification, which is required for accessing several National Wildlife Refuges and state lands open to waterfowl hunting.
Get more details on certificates: including how to replace a lost certificate and out of state certificate requirements.
Next Step Courses
Next Step are in-person, instructor-led courses for those who have already completed a hunter education, bowhunter education, or trapper education certification course and want more education and hands-on experience. Each four-hour course focuses on safety and techniques. There is no certification earned when you complete a Next Step course.
Next Step courses being offered this year are rifle, shotgun, crossbow, archery, fur handling, land trapping, and water trapping. Next Step courses are free, but registration is required. You will need your hunter education, bowhunter education, or trapper education certificate number to register. Since these are new courses, availability may be limited. Find a Next Step Course and Outdoor Recreation Event Registration information here (register-ed.com).
Crossbow Hunting Qualification
This page serves as the New York State online training course for crossbow hunting qualification and certification. This is not required if you have completed the Hunter Education Course and received a Hunter Education Certificate on or after April 1, 2014 and you carry that certificate with you while hunting.
Required Crossbow Hunting Qualification & Safety Training
How to complete the online crossbow training course:
- Read and understand all information on this page.
- Print the certificate at the bottom of the page.
- Sign and date the certificate.
- Carry the signed certificate and appropriate licenses with you while.
Crossbow Safety Information
Before shooting your crossbow:
Parts of a crossbow
- Read and thoroughly understand your crossbow owner's manual.
- Inspect your equipment before every shooting session. Look for: arrow splintering or bending, separation of the bowstring serving, cracks or twists in the crossbow limbs, any loose bolts.
- To better understand how an arrow functions and the skill required for hunting with an arrow, DEC recommends all crossbow hunters take a bowhunter education course
- Apply bow wax to the length of the string/cables, except for the part right above the arrow rail, as it will gum up the trigger box. Lubricate the rail periodically.
- Make sure your fingers are well away (below rail) from the path of the bow string and cables.
- Make sure the crossbow limbs are free of obstructions before shooting.
- Never carry a cocked crossbow with an arrow in it while walking.
- If hunting from a tree stand, always cock the crossbow on the ground before climbing into the stand.
While shooting your crossbow:
- Never dry-fire a crossbow (cock and fire without an arrow securely placed on the rail).
- Once seated and secured in the tree stand, pull up your unloaded crossbow with a haul line.
- Do not place an arrow on the crossbow until you are safely secured in your stand.
- Never use a cocking device to uncock a crossbow.
- To uncock a crossbow, shoot an arrow tipped with a field point into the soft ground or a target.
- Always identify your target and the area beyond it before shooting.
- To prevent wounding game, practice often and do not take shots at game that are beyond your effective range, generally less than 30-40 yards, similar to a modern compound bow.
Helpful Videos and Information to Review
View this short 4-minute video on the safe use of crossbows (produced by bowhunter-ed.com). If the video does not play properly, please try this alternate version of the video.
Also, visit the North American Crossbow Federation website (link leaves DEC's website) to view the "Crossbow 101" video (20 minutes) and other helpful information.
Printable Certificate of Qualification
Download and print the certificate (PDF)
- Adobe Reader is needed.
Complete and sign the certificate, and carry with you along with your appropriate licenses while hunting.
My First Certificates
Printable, personalized commemoration of your first harvest. You can add a name and harvest date and upload a photograph (landscape or portrait orientation), or choose a certificate with a stock photo, then print at home. This works best when using Internet Explorer and may not work with other browsers. Or you can print any certificate at home then write the name and attach a photograph.
Available PDF certificates include:
- My First Deer (landscape - portrait - stock)
- My First Bear (landscape - portrait - stock)
- My First Furbearer (landscape - portrait - stock)
- My First Turkey (landscape - portrait - stock)
- My First Waterfowl (landscape - portrait - stock)
- My First Pheasant (landscape - portrait - stock)