Agencies
Services
Hunter Safety Education
Requirements
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 is required to complete hunter safety education certification (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 (520 ILCS 5/3.2).
Exemptions apply, see Youth Hunting License (520 ILCS 5/3.1-9) and Apprentice Hunting License (520 ILCS 5/3.1-5) for more information.
Course Options
Illinois offers instructor-led, hybrid, and online hunter safety education courses, dependent upon student age. Learn more about course options and register by course type below.
COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor-led hunter safety courses are taught in-person with certified volunteer hunter safety instructors. Students will learn the hunter safety education curriculum through lectures, demonstrations, group discussions and practical exercises. Most courses include a visit from an Illinois Conservation Police Officer to discuss Illinois hunting regulations. Students passing the 50-question multiple choice test (80% passing score) and displaying the necessary maturity to hunt independently will receive an Illinois hunter safety education certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
10-plus hours, typically taught over 2 days (varies by instructor). Students must attend the entire course to be eligible for certification.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
None. The course curriculum and test are written at a 6th-grade reading level. Youth under the age of 10 must be accompanied to and during the course by a parent/gaurdian at least 16 years old.
COST
Free
REGISTRATION
Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Click "Register Now" to view and register for a "Hunting" class.
COURSE INFORMATION
Students complete an approved online hunter safety course and then attend a field day course taught in-person with certified volunteer instructors. The online portion of the course requires students to complete online units, quizzes and a test. Upon completion of the online course, the student is awarded a field day voucher.
Students must present the field day voucher at the in-person field day course they registered for. Students will reinforce their online learning through hands-on firearm handling, demonstrations, and practical exercises. Most courses include a visit from an Illinois Conservation Police Officer to discuss Illinois hunting regulations. Students passing the 50-question multiple choice test (80% passing score) and displaying the necessary maturity to hunt independently will receive an Illinois hunter safety education certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
The online course length varies by student and course type but is typically completed in 4-6 hours at the students pace (progress is saved so it can be completed over multiple days). The in-person field day course is taught in one day and is typically 5 to 7 hours long.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
None. The course curriculum and test are written at a 6th-grade reading level. Youth under the age of 10 must be accompanied to and during the course by a parent/gaurdian at least 16 years old.
COST
The online course fee varies by course ($28.95-$49.95). The in-person field day course is free.
REGISTRATION
Students must register and complete an approved online hunter safety course prior to attending a field day. Ensure a field day class is available in your area prior to completing the online course. Field day vouchers are valid for field day admission for one year from online course completion (see approved courses below).
Registration is required for field day class unless otherwise noted. Click "Register Now" to view and register for a "Field Day" class.
Approved Online Hunter Safety Courses
COURSE INFORMATION
Students 18 years old and older complete an approved online hunter safety course and earn hunter safety education certification entirely online. The online course requires students to complete online units, quizzes, virtual field day and a test. Upon successful completion of the online course and test, the student will receive an Illinois hunter safety education certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
The online course length varies by student and course type but is typically completed in 4-6 hours at the students pace (progress is saved so it can be completed over multiple days).
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Students 18 years or older who successfully complete an approved online hunter safety education course receive Illinois hunter safety education certification entirely online.
COST
The online course fee varies by course ($28.95-$49.95).
REGISTRATION
Students may register and complete an approved online hunter safety course at any time (see approved courses below).
Approved Online Hunter Safety Courses
Hunter Safety Certificates
Hunter safety certificates are valid for life. Those required by law to have a hunter safety certificate must present their hunter safety certification card to law enforcement upon request. Electronic display of a hunter safety certification card is accepted by Illinois Conservation Police Officers.
If your Illinois hunter safety certification card was lost or destroyed, you can search for your record and replace it online below.
Reciprocity
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recognizes hunter safety education certificates issued by other states, provinces of Canada, and other jursdictions that meet International Hunter Education Association-USA basic hunter education curriculum standards.
Bowhunter Education
Bowhunter education certification is not required in Illinois. Those hunting with a bow or crossbow must meet hunter safety education requirements.
Illinois offers instructor-led courses through the National Bowhunter Education Foundation and an online bowhunter education course.
Additional Resources
Contact your regional Volunteer Services Coordinator if you have questions about hunter safety education or if you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer instructor.