Hunter Safety Education course or field day registration

Learning to hunt is a gateway to the outdoors and ODFW Hunter Safety Education is a great way to start.

Registration for these events is open year-round: 

ODFW offers courses in two formats aimed at different learning styles. Students will need to choose an in-person conventional course or complete an ODFW approved independent online course and register for an in-person field day.

• Conventional classroom setting includes 14-16 hours of in-person classroom instruction including a field day with a live fire exercise and hands on evaluation of safe firearms handling. The course fee is $10 per student.
• Choose one of four ODFW approved Online courses. Each course takes about six hours and the cost varies depending on the course provider. In addition to the online course, youth are also required to complete an in-person field day, fee is $10 per student.
• Adults are not required to attend an in-person field day. Adults will receive a hunter safety certificate upon completion of the adult online course. A permanent hunter safety card will be mailed to the address in your VEM education account.
• ODFW Approved online courses
• Upcoming Hunter Education Classes and Field Days

The minimum age to take a course is six, however, children under age 9 often have a difficult time comprehending the material. Younger students may also lack the physical strength necessary to handle a firearm safely and control the muzzle direction during live fire drills.

Please note: youth may submit a controlled hunt application before completing hunter safety education to meet deadlines; youth must complete the course prior to hunting on their own tag or validation and are required to carry a valid hunter safety education card while hunting in the field. (ODFW issued temporary or permanent card)

ODFW does not refund class fees, proceeds are used for program equipment and supplies.

We also recommend Hunter Safety Education for any adult new to hunting, or as a refresher for experienced hunters, as it may be required for out of state hunts.

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

This course provides a thorough introduction to the skills hunters need, such as firearm safety, hunter ethics, wildlife identification and hunt preparation.

Header photo by Jason Bader