Common questions about hunter education

• What is a registration certificate?

  A registration certificate is your ticket to enroll in a hunter education, furharvester education or bowhunter education course. The certificate is good for 365 days from the date of purchase.

  When you successfully complete a hunter education program course, your instructor will validate your certificate. Your validated hunter education registration certificate enables you to apply for or obtain permits in the DWR's hunt drawings. It also becomes your small game hunting license.

  The validated furharvester education registration certificate enables you to purchase a furbearer permit.

  The validated bowhunter education registration certificate enables you to purchase bowhunting licenses in states that require bowhunter education certification.

  After completing the course, you will also receive your official "Certificate of Completion" by mail. The card certifies that you passed a hunter education program course. It will be sent to the mailing address listed on your registration certificate.

  The hunter education certificate costs $12 ($17 for a nonresident). Furharvester and bowhunter education registration certificates each cost $7. You can purchase certificates online, from a DWR office or a license agent.

• How do I enroll in a course?

  To enroll, select the course you are interested in from the Hunter Education home page. Follow the instructions until you get to the course schedule page. You will need to purchase a registration certificate before attending a course. The hunter education registration certificate is $12, and the bowhunter and furharvester education registration certificates are $7 each. You can purchase certificates online, from a DWR office or a license agent.

• Where do I find study materials for the online courses?

  An online course is available for regular Hunter Education, as well as furharvester and bowhunter education. When you do your field day, you must present proof of course completion to the field day instructor. Click below for more information and to download course materials:

  • Online Hunter Education course
  • Online Furharvester Education course
  • Online Bowhunter Education course
• How old do I have to be to take a course?

  There is no minimum age. However, a parent may be required to attend with younger students. You must be able to take the written and shooting tests by yourself. (We will make accommodations if you have a physical disability.)

• What do I do if I lose or damage my certificate of completion card?

  Follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the Hunter Education duplicate certificate affidavit.
  2. Submit the form and pay $10 at the online payment portal.

  If you prefer to mail or bring your $10 payment to the nearest DWR office, please print and fill out the paper version of the affidavit. Call the nearest DWR office if you have any questions.

• How do I transfer my out-of-state hunter education certificate of completion now that I'm a Utah resident?

  Utah residents who have taken hunter education in another state must transfer their out-of-state hunter education certification to Utah to be eligible to obtain resident licenses and hunting permits. To transfer your hunter education certificate of completion:

  • Submit an online transfer affidavit form.
  • Or, print a paper version of the form and bring it with your proof of certification to any DWR office.
• I’m a nonresident and will be hunting in Utah. Do I need to show proof that I’ve completed hunter education in another state, Canadian province or country?

  When you apply for a nonresident hunting or combination (hunting and fishing) license or any kind of hunting permit in Utah, you must self-certify that you have completed hunter education.

  Additionally, you must carry proof of hunter education completion with you in the field and provide it (along with your valid Utah license or permit) if requested by law enforcement or DWR personnel.

• I'm an adult. Is hunter education required for me?

  Utah state law requires anyone purchasing a Utah hunting license to show proof of completing a hunter education course if they were born after December 31, 1965. The proof may be a hunter education certification card from any state wildlife agency in the United States, Canadian provinces or other country.

  Also, when residents have taken the course in another state, Canadian province or other country they must transfer that card to a Utah hunter education card before purchasing a Utah license.

  Utah requirements are typical, but not as demanding as some states. Colorado, for example, requires anyone born after 1948 to complete a hunter education course. If you plan on hunting in another state, know and understand the hunter education requirements there.

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How to become a hunter education instructor

Passing knowledge and skills to the next generation

Hunter education program instructors are volunteers. They have the desire to pass their knowledge and skills in hunting, trapping, outdoor safety, conservation and ethics onto others. They are often well-established local citizens who can, and will, create local interest and involvement in the program.

They know the local people, needs of the community, and when and where to set up local hunter education program classes. Teaching and public speaking skills are beneficial but not required. Without dedicated volunteers the Utah Hunter Education Program could not exist.

We currently offer the three education program certifications listed below.