Hunter education course

Hunter Education

The Wyoming Hunter Education course outlines safe practices to prevent fire-arm accidents while improving hunting knowledge and emphasizes ethics and responsibilities for new hunters.

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A volunteer hunter education instructor observes a hunter education student's shot placement.

Hunter Education Course

Attain your legal certification after learning how to safely handle firearms, and gain an understanding of hunting ethics.

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Game and Fish hunter education instructor gives archery tips to a bowhunter education student.

Bowhunter Education Course

Bowhunter Education is not required to bowhunt in Wyoming, however the course is offered in Wyoming. Click here to learn more.

A volunteer hunter education instructor teaching an in-person traditional hunter education class as students listen intently.

Become a Hunter Education Instructor

Wyoming Hunter Education courses are offered primarily by our volunteer instructors. Follow the link to learn about the requirements, expectations and duties of our volunteer instructors.

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Students stand in front of yellow school busses for a group photo.

Hunter Education in Schools

Inspire your students to safely explore outdoors by teaching them how to be ethical hunters and handle firearms.

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A mento assists a youth hunter in a field as they prepare for a deer hunt.

Hunter Education Exemption

Hunter Education is required to hunt with a firearm in Wyoming if you were born on or after January 1, 1966. However there are some exemptions to this legal requirement.

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An image of a sample Wyoming hunter education card

Hunter Education Card

If you took Hunter Education in Wyoming, your hunter education certificate number should be printed on all of your Wyoming hunting licenses. This is adequate proof in the field of your certification.

 

If you need to order a replacement Wyoming hunter education card or if your Wyoming hunter education certificate number does NOT print at the top of your Wyoming hunting licenses, click the link below.

 

Order a replacement card

Hunter Education Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone born after January 1, 1966, must carry proof of hunter education in the field unless accompanied by a mentor. However, Hunter Education certifications from other states are valid in Wyoming.

For individuals looking to get a head start on hunter education, we recommend taking the online hunter education course. If you work through this program using the videos, interactive lessons, and each chapter will help your child get a head start. The program can be accomplished without extra fees if you do not take the final online test.

The Game and Fish receives many requests for special accommodations each year; here are some of the most common requests. If you need these or other accommodations, you can contact our office at 307-777-4542. Please allow time before your class starts.

  • Test reading - all of our hunter education classes will provide the opportunity to have the test read allowed for you. Please let your instructor know at the beginning of class.
  • Language Interpreter - Spanish manuals are available for your use. Please let the HE office or your instructor know if you need one. We will make sure that one gets to you. These are mailed out of the Cheyenne office, so please give us time to mail the manual to you. We can also offer interpreters for each class where it is needed. Please contact the HE office at least two weeks before the class so we can make the arrangements. 

Wyoming Game and Fish Department offers two exemptions to hunter education in Wyoming:

  • Armed Forces members and certified Wyoming Peace Officers 
  • The hunter mentor program allows for 1-year exemption to Wyoming's hunter education program.

Wyoming hunter education classes are NOT recommended for individuals applying for a CCW permit. Hunter Education classes do not cover any CCW issues such as state and national concealed carry laws, pistol safety, handling, proficiency, concealed carry responsibility, and sheepdog mentality.  Please seek information for CCW classes through your local shooting or sportsman club.

If you have questions that can't be answered online, please get in touch with us through our customer service form.

Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC)

The Youth Hunter Education Challenge is a competition for ages 9 to 18. It tests youth skills with shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader and archery marksmanship. Youth are also tested on wildlife ID, hunting ethics, orientation and general hunting knowledge.

 

There are multiple YHEC events across the state. Click on the links below to learn about events near you.

 

Thermopolis, April 20, 2024

Email Cynthia Garbin at thermopgc@charter.net for details and registration.

 

Upton, June 8 2024 - State

For more information about the Upton event, please contact Rick Rothleutner of the Upton Gun Club at (307) 281-9980. Register for this event online.
 

Youth Hunter Education Challenge Brochure