Important facts about your certification
Who needs to take Hunter Education?
What does “accompanied by a licensed hunter” mean?
Do I qualify for a Hunter Education Deferral?
I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?
How long has this been law?
How long is the course?
What does the course cover?
What is the cost of the course?
Can I fail this course?
Do I need the Hunter Education Certificate to purchase a hunting license?
I’m a bowhunter. Do I need the same certification?
I am in the military/law enforcement. Does the law still apply to me?
I have a license to carry a concealed handgun. Do I still need the certification?
I took Hunter Education in another state. Do I still need to take the Texas course?
I want to hunt out-of-state. Will my Texas Hunter Education certificate be recognized?
When I call the contact number listed, I get an answering machine. Why can’t I talk to an instructor?
Important Facts about your certification
- Certification is good for life.
- Texas certification is honored by other states and provinces requiring hunter education.
- You must carry proof of certification or deferral on your person while hunting.
- The card is NOT required to purchase a license.
Who needs to take Hunter Education?
Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Minimum age of certification is 9 years and cost is $15.
If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:
- under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied.
- age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete a hunter education course, or you must be accompanied.
- age 17 and over, you must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied.
What does “accompanied” mean?
Accompanied means: By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.
Do I qualify for a Hunter Education Deferral?
Any person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program may defer completion for up to one year. A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current license year. You must be accompanied while hunting if you you have a deferral. A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral. The one-time Hunter Education Deferral is available at license vendors and costs $10.
I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?
You may now print a copy of your certification. Failure to carry proof of certification or deferral while hunting is a Class C, Parks and Wildlife Code Misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine no less than $25 nor more than $500.
How long has this been law?
“Mandatory” hunter education became law in 1988. Since 1972, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has certified over one million students.
How long is the course?
There are 3 courses taught by TPWD Certified Instructors. The Basic Course is a maximum of 6 hours classroom instruction. This time does not include registration, breaks, test administration and certification card distribution. The Enhanced Coursehas two parts: online coursework completed beforehand, then one-day Field Course/Skills Trail is a minimum of 4 hours, but may extend longer. The Extended Course is over 6 hours. There is also a self-paced Online Course for Complete Certificationthat is restricted to persons that are 17 years of age or older.
What does the course cover?
The Basic Course covers the core competencies of firearm and hunting safety, hunting ethics and wildlife conservation.
The Enhanced Course the Advanced Course also cover the core competencies of firearm and hunting safety, hunting ethics and wildlife conservation, along with Archery, Muzzleloaders, Outdoor Survival and First Aid.
Field and Live-Firing Exercises can be included in the Basic Course and are often included in the Advanced Course.
Field and Live-Firing Exercises are mandatory in the Enhanced Course.
What is the cost of the course?
The Basic, Enhanced, and Advanced Hunter Education Courses, materials and certification by the state costs $15. Some instructors may charge additional fees associated with a shooting range or particular facility. The fee for the Online Course for Complete Certification is determined by the independent vendor offering that course.
Can I fail this course?
Yes, you can fail the course because of unsatisfactory knowledge, skill or attitude as evaluated by your instructor. The minimum score on the final exam is 75 percent. However, if you achieve a higher score, but are determined to lack safe skills in live-firing or field exercises, or as a result of classroom disruptions, attitude, or incomplete attendance, you may fail the course.
Do I need the Hunter Education Certificate to purchase a hunting license?
No, you are not required to show your certification when you purchase a license, but proof of certification or “deferral” is required to be on your person while hunting.
I’m a bowhunter. Do I need the same certification?
Additional bowhunter education courses are available. This does not replace hunter education. Texas hunters who fall in the required age classes must complete Hunter Education regardless of the type of sporting arm used or species hunted. Bowhunter Education is mandatory in some states and provinces. Bowhunter education is a two-day course.
I am in the military/law enforcement. Does the law still apply to me?
Yes, it is a state law and there is no exemption from the Hunter Education certification requirement for hunting in Texas.
I have a license to carry a concealed handgun. Do I still need the certification?
Yes, some of the safety training may be similar; however, Hunter Education includes many topics that are not part of handgun education. There are no exemptions from this requirement.
I took Hunter Education in another state. Do I still need to take the Texas course?
No, Texas recognizes Hunter Education certificates from all other states and provinces. You will need to carry a proof of that certification on your person while hunting in Texas. We cannot duplicate Hunter Education certification from other states and provinces, you will need to contact the agency that regulates Hunter Education in that state.
I want to hunt out-of-state. Will my Texas Hunter Education certificate be recognized?
Yes, all states and provinces requiring hunter education recognize your Texas certification. You must carry your certification card with you as proof.
When I call the contact number listed, I get an answering machine. Why can’t I talk to an instructor?
Hunter Education instructors are volunteers and many work regular jobs and may not be available when you try to contact them. Most list their home numbers as the contact. Try calling early in the evening after work or leave a message for them to call you back. Leave your name and a contact phone number. Leaving your name only on the message does not confirm your place in the class. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call our office at 1-800-792-1112 ext. 63