2009 Hunter Education Class Schedules Available online in mid-December. Print copies of Washington Outdoors -- which also feature hunter education class schedules -- will be available in January 2009. Class Schedules & Information Basic Hunting Required for all first-time Washington hunters born after January 1, 1972 Bowhunting Voluntary program not required in Washington State to bowhunt Trapping Required for all first-time Washington trappers Online Hunter Education Students Home Study Classroom / Range Evaluation Sessions

Reasonable Accommodation Request for Services If you need an accommodation for your disability please fill out the following information and return it to the Hunter Education Instructor at least fifteen (15) days prior to the class.

Hunter Education Course Evaluation Form

Hunter Education FAQs

There is no minimum age required to enroll in hunter education, but instructors may require a parent or guardian to attend all classes if students are under 12 years of age.

Individuals who have a previous Washington hunting license or a valid Washington hunter education training certificate need only show these documents to a license vendor in order to purchase a new, hunting license.

Non-resident hunters born after January 1, 1972 are also required to prove successful completion of hunter education training before purchasing a hunting license. Please plan non-resident hunting license purchases in advance! Failure to present the necessary documentation to the hunting license vendor will lead to disappointment!

Individuals who have successfully completed hunter education training in other states need only show their out-of-state hunter education certificate at the time of license purchase. Please note that an out-of-state license is not the same as a hunter education certificate.

Course Content

Hunter education classes focus on three broad topical areas:

(1) Firearms and outdoor safety;
(2) Wildlife management; and,
(3) Hunter responsibility.

The average class includes 4 - 6 sessions spanning 16+ hours.

Successful students must pass a written test, demonstrate safe firearms handling skills and a positive attitude.

All hunter education classes are taught by instructors certified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hunting Safety

Both hunters and the non-hunting public are concerned about hunter safety. Click for more information on hunting accidents.

Basic training is required for all types of hunting. In other words even if you only plan to hunt with a bow you must successfully complete basic hunter education training.

Hunter Education Deferral

The 2007 Washington State Legislature approved a measure (SHB 1249) that allows a one-year, once-in-a-lifetime deferral of hunter education training. The deferral option is available to individuals who are accompanied by an experienced hunter who has held a Washington hunting license for the previous three years. See more information here.