Hunter Education Requirements and Who is Exempt
North Dakota law requires persons born after 1961 to complete a certified hunter education course and show proof of certification when buying or applying for hunting licenses (official courses offered by other states and Canadian provinces meet these requirements). Exceptions: Persons under age 12 who hunt only with their parent or legal guardian; persons who hunt exclusively on land of which they are the record title owner or operator; and those who obtain an Apprentice Hunting License.
Course Sign-Up, Replacement Cards
Prospective students should inquire early in the year to assure course completion before upcoming hunting seasons or application deadlines. Most classes are taught in the first half of the year.
The 14-hour hunter education course focuses on safety, ethics, laws and regulations, and basic wildlife biology. Students must be at least 11 years old to attend and be certified.
- Go to Hunter Education Online Course Enrollment.
- Order a replacement hunter education or boater education graduate card.
Other states' requirements: Colorado requires hunter education of persons born after 1948; and; it is needed in order to hunt Wyoming's National Elk Range. If you plan to hunt in another state check out their requirements well in advance to ensure yourself time to arrange for a North Dakota course.
For more information about courses or to learn how to become a volunteer instructor, contact Hunter Education, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or call 701-328-6615.
For Instructors
For additional information contact Hunter Education Coordinator Zach Peterson at 701-328-6316 or ndgf@nd.gov