Frequently Asked Questions about California Hunter Education

In most states, hunters cannot hunt legally unless they have had some type of formal education in the proper handling of firearms. Today, California requires hunter education training for all persons who have not formerly held a California hunting license; who do not have a hunter education certificate of completion; or who do not hold a current hunting license, or a hunting license issued in either of the two previous hunting years, from another state or province.

It depends; when was the class taken?

Yes and no. Online classes are offered in California, but to obtain a valid hunter education certificate, you will ALSO need to attend a 4-hour home study / online follow-up class with a certified hunter education instructor. The online course will not get you a certificate. The benefit of taking an online class is having the ability to study at your own pace, and that you only have to take a 4-hour follow-up classroom session (versus a 10+ hour class). See more about Online Classes.

There is not a minimum age requirement to take the course, but young children may find the course demanding. A Hunter Education Instructor may be able help you decide whether your child is old enough.

CDFW offers a comprehensive equivalency testing program at each regional office. You may request information on this method of testing from the offices listed above. There is a non-refundable, administrative fee required to take the examination. If you fail the examination, you must take a hunter education class to become certified. Warning! Not all states accept the equivalency certificate as proof of hunter education. All states will accept the certificate of completion that is awarded upon completion of a hunter education class.

The Hunter Education course consists of a minimum of ten hours of classroom, homework, and field instruction in the following areas: firearms safety and handling, sportsmanship and ethics, wildlife management and conservation, archery, black powder, wildlife identification, game care, first aid, and survival. After a student has successfully completed the course of instruction and passed the final examination, they are awarded a Certificate of Completion. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children in the course and its related activities. There is not a minimum age requirement to take the course, but young children may find the course demanding.

A fee may not be charged for an instructor’s service; however, fees may be used to cover the purchase of training aids such as slides, flip charts, targets, and other training aids.

The Hunter Education Instructor makes the final decision in determining whether a student is qualified to receive a Certificate of Completion. A student who is unsafe, or fails to demonstrate good sportsmanship will not be issued a Certificate of Completion.

The Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety

1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
2. Watch that Muzzle! Be able to control the direction of the muzzle at all times.
3. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
4. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
5. Unload guns when not in use.
6. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
7. Never climb a fence or tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water.
9. Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages and mind altering drugs before or during shooting.

Yes, California accepts proof of Hunter Education issued from any state or province. Present your certificate of successful completion to a license vendor or at a CDFW License Sales Office and you can purchase a hunting license.

No, there are no exemptions. The reason is that hunter education encompasses a whole lot more than firearm safety. It is important that all hunters learn sportsmanship, conservation, about different methods (archery, muzzle-loading, etc.) of hunting, and basic hunting regulations.