Blog Post Updated 8/3/26
Every hunter deserves to have a fun, safe, and successful hunt. Hunter education ensures licensed hunters are well versed in gun and hunting safety practices before hitting the field.
Do you need it? Here’s some answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Who Needs Hunter Education?
All resident and non-resident hunters born on or after January 1, 1961 are required to take a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. This includes military personnel and veterans, those with disabilities, and all persons age 12 years and older.
What if I’m purchasing an Apprentice License?
Hunter education is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a short-term license.
Do I need Hunter Education to hunt on private property?
If you are hunting on your own property or that of a parent or legal guardian you do not need hunter education.
Does my child need hunter education?
Hunters under age 16 are not required to have hunter education. However, children under age 16 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter (18 years or older). Direct supervision means “within sight or hearing of the licensed adult.” Hunters age 12 to 15 years old may hunt unsupervised after successfully completing a hunter education course. Special restrictions may apply on Wildlife Management Areas or National Wildlife Refuges.
Photo credit: National Shooting Sports Foundation
Do I have to carry my hunter safety card?
Hunters age 16 to 25 are required to have a hunter education card when purchasing a season hunting license and must be in possession of the card while hunting. If you use the Go Outdoors Georgia app your hunter ed certification number will be listed with your licenses, so you don’t need to carry a paper copy. The app is available for both Apple and Android users.
If I had hunter education in another state, does that qualify?
Hunter education that is certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province is accepted.
Where can I take Hunter Education?
You can take classes online or in-person – you choose!
Online: If you’re interested in taking an online class, visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com and create an account or log into your already existing customer account. You can then visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation and review the available online courses. Most of these courses require a fee (fee will vary depending on course chosen), but please note that there are a few free course options. Select and complete any of the approved online hunter education courses. After you pass the course, log into your customer account and print your Hunter Education Certificate.
In Person: Georgia DNR offers an in-person classroom course with an instructor. Hunters can find a course location and sign up for the class at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
Photo credit: Hunter-ed.com
Need more information about hunter education in Georgia, please visit: https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation.
Happy Hunting to you!