1. To teach safe handling of firearms, in the home as well as in the field.
2. To develop safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters who are aware of our hunting heritage and who understand the hunter’s role and relationship with the wildlife and the land.
3. To certify persons under the age of 16, making them eligible to apply for hunting licenses.

HuntSAFE courses are designed for persons age 12 through 15. Persons who are 11 may participate, but will not be issued a Hunter Safety certification card until their 12th birthday, unless the card is clearly marked that the card is not valid until the person’s 12th birthday. Adults are also welcome and invited to attend.

Exception: If a student’s 12th birthday falls on or between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, he/she may be issued a card and is eligible to obtain a license and hunt beginning Sept. 1 of that year.

HuntSAFE courses are scheduled and taught by volunteer instructors from across the state. Most of the courses are offered in late summer or early fall, with several communities also holding courses in the spring.

Click on a city from the following list for more information about its local HuntSAFE course schedule.