Hunter Education

Why Hunter Education Matters

Hunter education is more than just a safety initiative—it’s a key part of preserving Kentucky’s outdoor heritage. It helps:​

• ​ Reduce hunting-related accidents and injuries
• ​  Encourage responsible, law-abiding hunting practices
• Support conservation efforts that protect wildlife for future generations​
  

The program has played a significant role in making hunting safer and more sustainable in the state of Kentucky. It’s supported by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, which provides training, materials, and continued support for hunters across the state.

We’re proud of the progress this program has made, and we welcome you to be part of a growing community committed to ethical hunting and conservation.​

Per regulation 301 KAR 2:185 and statute KRS 150.170(3), anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, is required to complete a Hunter Education Course before hunting in Kentucky. This course teaches essential lessons about firearm safety and hunting laws. Once the course is completed, individuals receive a certification card, which must be carried while hunting. These requirements are in place to help ensure that hunting is done safely, responsibly, and ethically. Please see below on how to become Hunter Ed certified.

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Course Formats

Please Note: Pre-registration is now required for ALL hunter education courses. 

For in-person classes, all materials, including firearms and ammunition, are provided at NO CHARGE. Contact the Hunter Training Coordinator in your region for more information about course options and requirements.

 

In-Person Course (Complete Certification)

Attend a traditional classroom-style course led by certified instructors. These include both instruction and hands-on components. This in-person training course includes study:

• Hunter Ethics
  
• Wildlife Conservation & Identification
  
• First Aid
  
• Firearm Safety
  

• Archery 
  
• Muzzleloading
  
• Field Care of Wild Game
  

The final session of the course will include a written test and a live-fire exercise. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you take an in-person course, you will be completely certified in hunter education once the day is complete.

Course Registration​​​​​​​

Online Courses + Required Range Day (2-part Certification)

Complete the knowledge portion at your own pace online, then attend a mandatory in-person Range Day to finish your certification:

Step 1 - Take an Online Course

Choose one of the approved online course providers:

• nra.yourlearningportal.com (FREE)
  
• Recademics.com ($29.99) | Military & First Responders Discount ($19.99)
  
• Hunteredcourse.com ($19.95)
  
• hunter-ed.com ($34.95)
  

Step 2 - Attend an IN-PERSON Live Fire Exercise (Range Day)

After completing the online course, you must pre-register and attend an in-person live fire exercise component.​

Range Day Reg​istration​​​​​​​

Live-Fire Exemption for Military and Kentucky Peace Officers

Under 301 KAR 2:185, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Kentucky Peace Officers may be exempt from the live-fire portion of the hunter education course.

Who Qualifies:

• Active Duty U.S. Armed Forces Personnel
  
• U.S. Military Veterans or Retirees
  
• Certified Kentucky Peace Officers
  

To receive this exemption, you must:

1. Complete the ONLINE Hunter Education Course.
2. Email your course completion certificate and proof of status (e.g., Military ID, DD-214, or Law Enforcement Verification) to your Regional Hunter Training Coordinator.
   

For Step-by-step instructions, download our   Live-Fire Exemption Instructions or contact your Regional Hunter Training Coordinator.

Temporary (1-Year) Hunter Education Exemption Permit​

New to hunting? Kentucky offers a one-time, one-year exemption permit that allows you to hunt without completing a hunter education course immediately. 

This permit is:

• Free (for a limited time)
  
• Available to residents and nonresidents
  
• Valid for one year from the date of issue.
  
• Only Valid in Kentucky. Permit is not accepted at Blue Grass Army Depot or Fort Campbell.
  

Important Details:

• ​Available only once per person.
  
• After it expires, hunters must complete a certified hunter education course. 
  
• All permit holders must be supervised by a licensed adult who has met the hunter education requirements.
  

Apply Here​

Age Exemption

Children can take the hunter education test starting at the age of 9. However, Hunter Education Certification is required at age 12. (This gives the youth hunter a 3-year window to take the course.) With over 400 courses offered statewide each year, there are numerous opportunities to become certified early. Learn more about local Hunter Education opportunities in your area through our Education Courses Events page.​

Landowners & License-Exempt Hunters

If you are hunting on your own land or fall under other license-exempt categories, hunter education is not required; however, we still highly recommend taking the course to stay safe and informed.

Help preserve Kentucky's hunting tradition by becoming a certified Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor. Each year, more than 11,000 Kentuckians become certified safe and responsible hunters by completing a Hunter Education Course or Range Day--and instructors like you make it all possible.

Why Become an Instructor?

​

Support and Promote Safe, Ethical Hunting in Kentucky​

Help Train Future Hunters in Your Community​

Join a Dedicated Team of Around 300 Active Volunteer Instructors

Play a Role in Delivering Approx. 400 Courses Statewide Each Year​