Skip to main content

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

Hunter Safety Education

Who Must Take The Course?

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 is required to complete a hunter safety education course (certificate of competency) or provide evidence of holding a hunting license issued by Illinois or another state in a prior year before purchasing a hunting license (Wildlife Code 520 ILCS 5/3.2). Exemptions apply, see 520 ILCS 5/3.1-9 (Youth Hunting and Trapping License) and 520 ILCS 5/3.1-5 (Apprentice Hunter License).

An Illinois hunter safety education certificate is accepted by all other states.

How To Take The Course

Instructor-led Classes

The traditional, and preferred, method of Illinois hunter safety education is completed with a certified volunteer safety education instructor. The traditional class is at minimum 10 hours of in-person instruction and demonstrations. Students are required to pass a multiple choice test to complete the class. The traditional hunter safety class is free; students will only encounter a cost if there is extra activity provided that the student may choose to participate in.

The curriculum and materials used in the hunter safety class are designed for students at a sixth-grade reading level. During a traditional in-person class, students can expect to participate in the following:

  • Discussion of hunter responsibility and ethics
  • Firearm handling (Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety)
  • Firearm/ammunition orientation
  • Zones of fire
  • Tree stand safety and fall arrest systems
  • Primitive hunting, including archery and muzzleloading
  • Conservation Police Officer to discuss Illinois hunting and trapping laws (Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations)  
  • 50 question multiple choice test (80% passing score)

Individuals may participate in any scheduled class throughout Illinois. Persons passing the class by completing the minimum 10 hours of instruction, passing the multiple choice test, and displaying the necessary maturity to hunt independently will receive an Illinois hunter safety education certificate. To find a traditional in-person class, check our website for the Class Schedule.

Online Class / Field Day Class

If you are 18 years old, or older, you may complete the online class to receive a hunter safety education certificate entirely online. This option is provided by authorized outside providers that charge a fee for the online class.

Students 17 years old and younger may also complete the online class.  Again, this option is provided by authorized outside providers that charge a fee for the online course. Students 17 years old and younger that complete the online class must also attend an in-person field day class which includes hands-on participation and a multiple choice test.  Upon completion of the online class and a field day class, students 17 years old and younger will receive an Illinois hunter safety education certificate.

NOTE: Prior to paying for and completing an online class, check the Class Schedule for field day class availability. You will not be admitted to a field day class without the field day voucher recieved upon successful completion of the online class.

More about the Field Day Class

Illinois Online Hunter Safety Authorized Providers:

www.hunter-ed.com/illinois ($28.95) or www.huntercourse.com/usa/illinois ($29.00) or www.ilearntohunt.com/illinois ($49.95)

Illinois Online Hunter Safety Authorized Provider (Español):

www.hunter-ed.com/illinois ($28.95)

Other Resources