NEXT COURSE: SAT. - july 19, 2025

In an effort to raise safety and conservation awareness, California’s first hunter education law was enacted in 1954. California requires hunter education training for those who have never held a California hunting license, who do not have a hunter education certificate, or who do not have a hunting license from another state or province issued within the past two years. Students may choose between two class format options. Classes are offered throughout the State by more than 1,000 certified volunteer instructors, all dedicated to keeping hunting safe, ethical, and available to all Californians.

The Traditional 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.

The Traditional Course allows for individual interaction with the instructor. The Traditional Course is most often preferred by first time hunters. See more information about the Traditional Course.

• If your child is under 18 years of age, they must present to the instructor at all courses a Parental Release Form signed by the child’s parent or guardian. This will allow your child to participate in the live fire exercises. Download the Parental Release Form (PDF).
• Parents or guardians are encouraged to attend with young students, especially those younger than age 16, to help define new words or provide additional tutoring during and after class.
• Questions regarding our program? See Frequently Asked Questions.

The Hunter Education Program, as a state mandated, federally funded program, must be made available to all persons. No one may be refused training, certification, or otherwise discriminated against because of age, race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability or national origin. Additionally, the program must be made available to all persons as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a student needs reasonable accommodations, please contact the District Coordinator for your county. For American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services, please contact the District Coordinator at least 60 days prior to the desired class date.