Hunter and Bowhunter Certification process

Key elements of the Volunteer and Event Management (VEM) System:‌

• Seamlessly integrates with ODFW's Hunter and Bowhunter Education partners, ensuring a smoother and more efficient certification process.
• Printable electronic Hunter Education Certificates are available in real time for adult aged 18 and older.
• Wallet sized Certification cards will continue to be available alongside the new printable electronic certificates.
• A VEM account number is required to complete online Hunter or Bowhunter Education Courses.
• Learn more about the new VEM System. 

Hunter Education Certification‌‌

ADULTS‌

Hunter Education is recommended for any adult new to hunting, or as a refresher for experienced hunters. Some nearby states also require every hunter in their state to have completed Hunter Education. ‌

1. Create a VEM Account
2. Register for an Online Hunter Education Course.
3. Upon successful completion of the online course, obtain your printable electronic certificate immediately through VEM, followed by receipt of your wallet sized Hunter Education cart, which will arrive by mail. 

YOUTH‌

In Oregon, a Hunter Education course is required for all new hunters age 17 and younger, unless hunting on land owned by a parent of legal guardian or participating in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program. ‌

There is no minimum age to take a course, but children younger than 11 often have a hard time with the material.‌

• Conventional Hunter Education course:
  1. Register for a Hunter Education Conventional. setting includes 14-16 hours of classroom instruction and a field day with a live fire exercise and hands on evaluation of safe firearms handling. The course costs $10 per student.
  2. Receive a Temporary certification upon successful completion of the Field Day, followed by a certification card via mail.
• Online Hunter Education course and field day:
  1. Create a VEM Account
  2. Register for an Online Hunter Education Course.
  3. Register for an In-Person Field Day and bring proof of completion of the online course. A temporary certification card will be provided upon successful completion of the Field Day, followed by a wallet sized certification card via mail.

Bowhunter Education Certification‌‌

ALL AGES

Oregon's Bowhunter Education Certification is accepted in all other states and Canadian provinces. Learn more about the Bowhunters certification program.‌

• Conventional Bowhunter Education course:
  1. Register for a Bowhunter Education Conventional. Conventional classes normally last approximately 8 hours. Cost: $10 payable to ODFW.
  2. Receive a Certification card via mail.

• Online Bowhunter Education course and field day:
  1. Create a VEM Account
  2. Complete an Online Bowhunter Education Course.
  3. Register for an in-person Bowhunter Field Day and bring proof of completion of your online course.

Duplicate Hunter Education card requests‌

When you register for a VEM account, the system will match your information to historical certification records going back to 1980. If it finds, the certificate will be added to your account. To view added certificates, log in and select ‘Certifications' from your profile.

If we don't find your certificate, you can:‌

• Get re-certified through one of our online education partners (ages 18+).
• Request a duplicate Hunter Education Card, which includes a manual review of records. The cost is $10.00, regardless of the outcome of the record search.

Future enhancements‌

Look out for additional updates later this year, including:‌

• Registration for Hunter and Bowhunter Conventional courses and Field Days through VEM.
• Printable electronic certifications for both Hunter and Bowhunter education for all age groups.