Hunter Education

The Hunter Education course is required for learning the necessary safety techniques and responsibilities as a hunter when using a gun, muzzleloader or bow to pursue wild game.
Download the required manual and work sheet here
Additional requirements for bowhunting big game: If hunting deer or bear with a bow, you must also take a Bowhunter Education course.

General Course Details and Requirements

Course Topics Covered

•Firearm handling and safety techniques
•History of firearms
•Knowledge of firearms and ammunition
•Proper gun handling and storage
•Marksmanship fundamentals
•Specific 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 11 to 16-years old must have a signed permission slip(PDF)(54 KB) from a parent or legal guardian to allow for the handling and shooting of a firearm during this course.

Course Length

Minimum of 10 hours.
Hunter Education Certificate
Students must 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.