Hunter Education Courses

Before you begin:

Course Options (3):

The following three options are based on age, so choose which works best for you, a family member or friend inquiring about the course. Minimum age for certification is 9 years. (See FAQs.)

OPTION 1. Under Age 17

  • Classroom course - Instructor-led CLASSROOM course; no preparation required; $15 paid directly to instructor at course.
  • Description: 6 hours of basic instruction. Some courses may extend to cover added topics.
  • Added fees for ranges may be required.
  • See Education Registration System to REGISTER for a classroom course. 

OPTION 2. Under Age 17

  • Online + field course - Instructor-led FIELD course; preparation is one of two free online courses available below; avoid 'pay-for' online courses.
  • Description: *FREE* ONLINE COURSE plus 4-hour minimum "FIELD DAY," including live-fire and "hunter skills" trail.
  • Register for field course before completing *FREE* online course.
  • $15 paid directly to the instructor at field course.
  • Added fees for ranges may be required.
  • See Online + Field Course for additional instructions.

OPTION 3. Age 17 or Over (17+ ONLY)

  • Online-Only Go to: Hunter Education Online-Only Courses and register with any one of the approved Internet Providers.
  • Description: Online-only courses cover the knowledge it takes to be a safe, responsible hunter.
  • Fees (varied) paid directly to Provider via online payment.
  • Temporary certification is available from Internet Provider. An email link is automatically sent when permanent certification is ready at Texas Parks and Wildlife web site.
  • En español: curso en línea

"Hunter Education Deferral."  (17 + ONLY)

Cost: $10. Available wherever hunting licenses are sold. Allows hunters age 17 or older to defer completion of hunter education for up to a year, as long as the person is accompanied* by a hunter who has: 1) completed hunter education, or 2) is exempt from the requirement (born before September 2, 1971). A Deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the license year purchased. A hunter who has been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for violating the mandatory hunter education requirement may not apply for a deferral.

* Accompanied means within normal voice control 

Information for other states