How to Get Your 2026 Hunter Education Course Iowa in 3 Easy Steps
Did you know? The State of Iowa requires all hunters born on or after January 1, 1972, to pass a hunter education course if planning to purchase a hunting license and hunt in the state.
Why? Well, hunter education teaches valuable safety essentials, including tree stand safety, proper firearm handling, wearing blaze orange for visibility, and understanding the hunting laws for the state.
So, if you're planning a hunt in Iowa in 2026, keep reading to learn how to take the hunter education course Iowa requires and get your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Card in Iowa?
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1972, must pass a hunter safety course to earn a hunter education card in Iowa.
This certification is required before purchasing a hunting license. The state offers four options to get certified to meet this requirement.
1. Classroom Instruction
Hunters can take an in-person, certified instructor-led course that covers the knowledge and skills needed to be a safe hunter in Iowa.
Classes run for about 9-12 hours over two to three days. You must complete all hours for the class and pass the final written exam to receive your certification.
Choose an in-person course (Hunter Education Classroom Course) on the dates and at a location that's most convenient to you. Plan your timing wisely to sign up for an available course and complete it ahead of the hunting season, with plenty of time to get your hunting license before your hunt.
2. Online Course + Field Day (Ages 11-17)
Busy hunters ages 11-17 can take advantage of this option for an online course plus an in-person Field Day to meet the hunter education requirements.
Young hunters can take one of the courses approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), including Hunter-Ed. Then, print out the course completion as proof to bring to the in-person Field Day. The Field Day is required for hunters ages 11-17 to complete the certification.
Sign up for a "Hunter Education Field Day" that is convenient to your location and scheduled. Field Days are usually about 2-5 hours long and take place in a single day. After completing this session, you'll earn your hunter safety certification.
3. Online Only Course (Adults Ages 18 or Older)
Hunters ages 18 and older can also take an online-only hunter safety course to get certified. You can take the course at home at your convenience, and there is no Field Day required. Hunter-Ed is an approved provider for this course.
After completing the course and passing all of the quizzes, you'll print your permanent Hunter Education Certificate. This certificate means you're ready to hunt legally and safely in Iowa!
The online course is the most convenient way to meet the IDNR's hunter education requirements.
4. Dual Hunter Education and Handgun Safety Course
This course is available to Iowa residents ages 21 and older.
The Concealedcarry-ed.com course for Iowa is the only approved course for this option to meet the state's hunter education requirement and also earn your permit to carry firearms in the state. The course is mobile-friendly and can be completed on a mobile device, desktop, or laptop that can connect to the internet.
After completing the online course, print your combination hunter and concealed carry education certificate. Then, go to your local Sheriff's office to apply for your Iowa permit to carry weapons.
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2026 Iowa Hunting License
With your hunter certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your Iowa hunting license.
- Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course)
Remember: all hunters born on or after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course before hunting in Iowa.
Hunter-Ed makes it easy to do that with our online course, approved by the IDNR! - Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It
Determine which license you need. Choose from resident, non-resident, lifetime, species-specific, fur harvest, and other types of licenses. Then, purchase your license online via the GoOutdoorsIowa website or an Electronic Licensing System (ELSI) Agent (e.g., hardware stores, hunt clubs, sporting goods stores, and other designated locations). - Carry Proof of Your License When Hunting
Don't forget to carry your license and any necessary tags, stamps, or permits when hunting.
Next, let's look at these steps in more detail.
Step 1: How to Take the Iowa Hunter Education Course
The easiest way to get your hunter safety certification in Iowa is to take the Hunter-Ed Online course!
The Hunter-Ed course:
- Is approved by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and IDNR.
- Can be completed in approximately 3 hours.
- Can be taken from anywhere you can connect to the internet using a computer, phone, or tablet.
- Includes games, animations, illustrations, videos, and quizzes to help you learn the required material. You'll need to score at least 80% on the quizzes and 75% on the final exam to pass.
- Saves your progress! Work at their own pace and start and stop as needed.
- Gives you free access to the course study guide to help you learn the material and pass the quizzes.
- Gives you free access to Hunter Perks!
Don't forget: If you are between the ages of 11 and 18 years old, you must also take an in-person Field Day (with proof that you completed the online course) to earn your hunter safety certification.
Step 2: Get Your Hunter Education Certification Card
After completing the course through Hunter-Ed and passing the final exam (and attending the required Field Day for young hunters), you've met the hunter education requirements!
In your Hunter-Ed student portal, print your permanent Hunter Education Certificate. Young hunters required to take the Field Day will receive their cards after successfully completing the in-person session.
Your Hunter Education Card is Your Proof of Certification
Your hunter safety card is an important document!
Always carry it when you hunt (along with your hunting license) as proof that you completed the hunter education course Iowa requires. When you're in the field, wildlife officials can ask you to show your hunting license and safety certification.
Don't worry if you lose your card! Visit the ilostmycard website to order a replacement card.
Step 3: Where to Get Your State of Iowa Hunting License in 2026
Your Iowa hunter safety course is now behind you. You're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Remember that you'll need a new hunting license every year, unless you have a lifetime license. Your 2025 Iowa DNR hunting license will not be valid in 2026.
Research carefully and purchase the correct license to hunt legally this season.
Buy Online
The easiest way to get your license is to buy it online. This can be especially convenient if you don't live close to an in-person ELSI agent location, or you plan to hunt in Iowa while you're a resident of another state
Buy In Person from an ELSI Licensing Agent
If you prefer to pick up a license in person, the State of Iowa offers plenty of locations that offer hunting licenses.
Use the IDNR website to find an agent location near you. In general, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and hunting clubs offer hunting licenses in Iowa.
Why Hunter Education Is Important
Before you ever buy a license or head out into the field, a hunter safety course helps make sure you’ve got the basics down and know how to play it safe (whether you're a new hunter or a seasoned one).
A big chunk of what you'll learn is all about firearm safety and making smart calls in the moment. It's the kind of stuff that keeps everyone going home in one piece and helps prevent accidents.
You’ll also pick up real, usable skills you’ll actually lean on out in the field, like navigation, basic first aid, and some solid survival know-how. On top of that, these courses really drive home respect for landowners, other hunters, and the wildlife we’re lucky enough to pursue.
At the end of the day, hunter education is about doing things the right way. It’s about ethical, responsible hunting that protects the resource and keeps our traditions strong for the next generation.
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
Many states offer reciprocity, meaning they accept a hunter safety certification from another state to meet the education requirements. This can be convenient if you've already taken a course in your home state and plan to travel and hunt in other states.
For example, a Texas hunter education course might not cover the rules you’ll need to know to hunt in Iowa. Each state has its own regulations, seasons, and safety requirements, and those details can make a big difference when you’re in the field.
So before you assume a course from another state has you covered, take a few hours to work through the Iowa Hunter-Ed course and get certified. It’s time well spent, and it’ll help make sure you’re hunting safe, legal, and confident out there.
Why Choose Hunter-Ed
Simply put: You get more with Hunter-Ed.
Not only do you get a learn-at-your-pace online course that covers everything you need to know (while meeting the IDNR's requirements), but you also get access to Hunter Perks.
Hunter Perks is an exclusive offering from Hunter-Ed, and it's completely free for students!
As soon as you purchase your course, you will have full access to:
- Ongoing Education Opportunities: Want to build your skills? Take additional courses (at a discount) to help you learn about things like archery and saddle hunting.
- Curated Blog and Video Content: Links to informational blogs and videos to help you keep learning and exploring how to be a better hunter.
- Hunting Tools: Hunter-proven resources (including app subscriptions) to help you hunt more confidently and successfully.
- Easy Access to Hunting Regulations: With just a few clicks, you can learn about the hunting regs for Iowa (and other states) each year.
Plus, your Hunter Perks include contests to win free stuff and gear discounts to gather what you need for great hunts (while saving money).
These Perks never expire. You'll always have access to your Hunter-Ed dashboard and Hunter Perks to support you through your lifelong pursuit of hunting!
Get Hunter Safety Certified in Iowa with Hunter-Ed
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the Iowa hunter safety course. You won't be able to hunt without it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about the hunter education course Iowa requires!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Iowa?
Yes, you need hunter education in Iowa to hunt legally if you were born on or after January 1, 1972.
Q: Can you take the Iowa Hunter Safety course online?
Yes, you can take the Iowa hunter safety course online as part of the state's requirements. The State of Iowa has approved Hunter-Ed as an online course that hunters ages 18 and older can complete to meet the requirements. Hunters 11-17 years old will also need to complete an in-person Field Day after taking the online course.
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
Don't wait, or you risk missing your hunting season! We recommend signing up and completing your course at least a few weeks before the season begins.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No, you don't need to recertify every season. Your Iowa hunter education course covers the only certification you'll need to hunt in the state after completing the course and passing the final exam. Your certification is good for life!
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Get My Hunter Education Certification?
When taking the course through Hunter-Ed, the course fee is $39.95. This cost includes the course, study guide, unlimited tries to pass the final exam, your hunter education card, and Hunter Perks.
Q: What happens if you hunt without hunter ed?
Hunting without the required Hunter Education certification can result in fines and other penalties. Your hunting license may also be invalid until you complete the course.
