Hunter Education


The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free hunter education courses throughout the year in all 100 counties. More than a firearm safety course, instruction includes ethics and responsibility, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.

There are no minimum age requirements, however, classes are taught at a sixth grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. Courses are a minimum of 6 hours, taught by wildlife officers, hunter education specialists and certified volunteer instructors, and certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.

Due to hunter education, hunting accidents have decreased significantly over the last twenty years making hunting one of the safest recreational activities.

Hunter Education Courses

Click here to find an instructor led course near you.
 

If you do not wish to complete certification using the in-person course option, the virtual course option and online-only option are still available.

Please note that some course locations may have guidelines and restriction in place. Make sure to check facility information when registering for a course.
 

If you need any accommodations to attend this program or event, please contact the Wildlife Education Division.

All courses listed as WRC Virtual Classroom will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams. All other courses with a specific location are in-person courses.  All virtual course participants will be required to:
  1. Use a computer or mobile device with a working microphone AND camera. Participants will be required to check-in with the instructor throughout the course using the camera and microphone.
  2. Have registered for the course with an active and valid email address and phone number. This is essential information needed by the instructor(s) in the event that the participants need to be contacted with additional instructions or there is a technical issue that occurs.
  3. Confirm that the participant’s internet bandwidth speed meets the minimal requirement (1-2 Mbsp) in order to effectively participate in the course. To check bandwidth speed, visit speedtest.net
  4. The course is a multi-day course and participants must attend all 6 hours of the course to be eligible to take the state certification exam. The exam will be administered at the end of the course in a digital format. If a participant needs testing accommodations, such as read-aloud, the participant must contact the instructor individually prior to the test.

 

Use the link below to register for a virtual Hunter Education Certification course.

https://www.register-ed.com/programs/44

Currently, there are four online hunter education courses (with varying fees) that provide a convenient alternative to the classroom course. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has moved to temporarily waive the field day requirement for our online courses. Once the online hunter education course is completed, you can print your temporary hunter education card to purchase your NC hunting license.

NC Hunter Ed


Need a Replacement Hunter Ed Card?


If you need a replacement of a Hunter Education certification card for a course taken in North Carolina, please send your request to replacementcard@ncwildlife.org

Information Needed:   

  • Full Name*
  • Date of Birth
  • Current Mailing Address
  • Address lived when course was taken (if available)

*Please Note: If your name has changed, please provide the name the class was taken under.

Home from the Hunt Banner

Learn more about Home from the Hunt, a nationally recognized campaign that encourages everyone to be prepared and be safe during time spent outdoors.

Contact a Hunter Education Specialist

Hunter Education Specialist District Map