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Official New York Hunter Safety Course Online

Take your official New York hunter safety course with Hunter-Ed™ a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)-approved provider and the only safety course provider that develops print materials for government agencies responsible for hunting laws and regulations. Study online at your own pace, complete your state’s requirements, and earn a Hunter Education Certificate that’s valid for life.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Do I Need Hunter Education in New York?

Requirements
Required for first-time hunters
Minimum course age is 11
Complete certification fully online

In New York, hunter education is required before purchasing a hunting license if you cannot provide proof that you previously held a hunting license. New York residents age 11 and older can complete all hunter education requirements online through Hunter-Ed. The minimum age to hunt in New York is 12. 

4 Easy Steps

How to Get Your New York Hunter Education Certificate

01

Sign Up

Create your Hunter-Ed account, pay the course fee, and get started with your official New York hunter safety course.

02

Complete the Course

Take the course on desktop, tablet, or mobile. Your progress saves automatically so you can study at your own pace.

03

Complete State Requirements

After passing the online course, immediately print your Hunter Education Certificate. This serves as your permanent proof of hunter education certification.

04

Go Hunting!

Make sure your Hunter Education Certificate is added to your DEC licensing profile, then purchase your New York hunting license and any additional privileges or permits required for your hunt.

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Hunter Education Built for the Field

Clear instruction and state-specific content make firearm safety, hunting ethics, laws, and conservation easier to understand and remember, with most students finishing in 3–4 hours.

Learn the fundamentals of safe firearm handling and use, along with the core safety practices every responsible hunter should know. 

Understand the responsibilities that come with hunting, including ethical practices, safe decision-making, and respect for landowners. 

Learn the laws, rules, and regulations New York hunters are responsible for understanding and following in the field. 

Understand wildlife conservation and management, including the important role hunters play in supporting healthy wildlife populations. 

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Learn Through True-to-Field Scenarios

ilearntohunt takes a more hands-on approach to online hunter education, using real-life scenarios and decision-based lessons that ask you to think through the choices you’d make in the field. It’s a practical way to build the judgment you need for safe, legal hunting while working toward certification.

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4.8 245k Reviews

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“Easy to study and follow on your own time”

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“Super convenient and easy course to follow! So glad I was able to take this course at my own pace!”

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“The course was helpful and engaging, and use multiple learning tools”

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“Quick and simple process”

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Popular Questions

How do I get a New York Hunter Education Certificate?

Enroll in the New York Hunter-Ed course, complete the online lessons, and pass the Final Exam. After successfully completing the course, you can immediately print your permanent Hunter Education Certificate.

Who needs hunter education in New York?

Hunter education is required for first-time hunters who cannot provide proof that they previously held a hunting license. Your Hunter Education Certificate must be added to your DEC licensing profile before you can purchase your first New York hunting license.

How much does the New York Hunter-Ed course cost?

The New York Hunter-Ed online course costs $39.95.

What is the minimum age for New York hunter education?

You must be at least 11 years old to take the New York Hunter-Ed online course. The minimum age to hunt in New York is 12.

Is my Hunter Education Certificate the same as a New York hunting license?

No. Your Hunter Education Certificate proves that you completed the required safety education, but it is not a hunting license. You must still purchase the appropriate New York hunting license and any additional privileges or permits required for your hunt.

How long does the New York Hunter-Ed course take?

Most students complete the online course in about 3–4 hours. Your progress is saved automatically, so you can complete it in one sitting or come back when it works for you.

Do I have to live in New York to take this course?

Yes. You must be a New York resident to take the New York Hunter-Ed online course.

Is Hunter-Ed approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation?

Yes. Hunter-Ed is an approved online hunter education provider for NYSDEC.

What happens if I fail a quiz or an exam?

You can retake the unit quizzes until you pass and must score at least 80%. The Final Exam also requires a score of at least 80%, with unlimited attempts to pass.

Do I have to take a final exam?

Yes. The Final Exam is taken at the end of the online course, and you must score at least 80% to pass. You have unlimited attempts.

What do I receive after completing the online course?

After successfully completing the online course, you can immediately print your Hunter Education Certificate. This certificate serves as your permanent proof of certification.

When will I receive my permanent New York Hunter Education Certificate?

Immediately. Once you successfully complete the online course and Final Exam, you can print your permanent Hunter Education Certificate.

Does my New York Hunter Education Certificate expire?

No. Your New York Hunter Education Certificate is your permanent certification and does not expire.

Will my New York Hunter Education Certificate be accepted in other states?

Most U.S. states, provinces, and other countries with mandatory hunter education requirements accept New York Hunter Education Certificates. New York also recognizes qualifying hunter education certificates from other jurisdictions.

How do I replace or check my New York Hunter Education Certificate?

If your certificate is lost or destroyed, log in to your course and print another copy, or visit https://ilostmycard.com to order a plastic wallet card.

Official & Approved

Trusted by over 2 Million Hunters since 2002

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation New York Hunting Regulations

For more than 20 years, Hunter-Ed has delivered official hunter education. We also work with government agencies to support the education materials hunters rely on. In New York, our course is approved by NYSDEC and built to meet the state’s hunter education requirements.

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Hunt with an Edge

Stop scouting blind. HuntWise PRO combines maps, weather, land insights, and hunt forecasts so you can scout from anywhere, lock in your plan, and head into the field with an edge. Get 50% off HuntWise and try a FREE trial of our premium subscription when you get certified with Hunter-Ed.

Your Course Is Just the Beginning

Hunter Perks gives you ongoing access to tools, education, regulations, discounts, contests, and partner resources through your Student Dashboard. It's included with your Hunter-Ed course at no additional cost, and your access never expires.

Take the Trail with More Protection

Progressive ATV insurance is built for off-property riding, with coverage for the places a homeowners policy may not reach. That means added protection for the machine that gets you into the field.

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Get Certified for the Hunt Ahead 

Complete your NYSDEC-approved hunter safety course and take the next step toward hunting in New York.

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