NYS HUNTER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Hunter education courses are offered by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). A hunter education course is required for persons who cannot provide proof that they have ever possessed a hunting license. The general course is a minimum of 10 hours in length and offered free of charge. NYSDEC honors hunter education certificates and sporting licenses from all other states and countries. Note that NYSDEC also requires a hunter education course specific to bowhunting. (NYSDEC does not accept a combined hunter education course for bowhunting certification.) See the NYSDEC Hunter, Bowhunter, and/or Trapper Education web site for more information.

Below are links to the different classes offered that can be sorted by distance from a zip code location. 

• Hunter Education
• Bowhunter Education
• Trapper Education
• Waterfowl Hunter Education

Be advised, most classes are offered between March - September. Do not wait until the hunting season to take a class.  

• An online option for Hunter Education classes is also now available. Anyone 11 years of age and older can obtain a hunter education certificate either by completing the online course and virtual field day, passing the final exam, and paying a fee; or by attending an in-person, instructor-led course.