Our hunter and trapper education programs are designed for every age and ability and are run by some of Ohio’s best and most knowledgeable hunters and trappers. They’ll help you understand where and when it’s legal to go for the game you want.
While hunter education is a vital part of becoming an Ohio hunter, new hunters also have the option of hunting with an apprentice hunting license before taking a hunter education course.
Course Options
The Division of Wildlife offers three types of hunter certification courses:
Instructor-Led Course
Instructor-led courses last about 8-12 hours and take place in a classroom environment. Certified volunteers and Division of Wildlife staff teach the courses. They are specially trained and highly qualified to help you learn.
Though it varies by instructor and location, most classes take place over two days. Study materials will be provided in the class, but you will need to bring a pencil or pen and a highlighter. Your instructor will cover a range of topics, from conservation, safety, and ethics to the proper handling of shotguns, handguns, bowhunting gear, and more. You should not bring firearms or archery equipment to class - all necessary equipment will be provided.
Once you've completed the course work, you will be given a 100-question test which includes multiple-choice questions. A student must score 75% or higher on the test to pass and obtain certification.
Online Hunter Education Course
Online Hunter Education is for Ohio residents 12 years of age or older (those under 12 can purchase and use the apprentice license until in-person courses are available again).
This version of hunter education allows students to complete the entire course online. This online course will take approximately eight hours to complete, but you may stop and pick up where you left off in the course as you please. There are quizzes at the end of each unit. You must pass the unit quiz to proceed to the next unit. Students must pass a final exam to receive certification. There is a fee paid to the online vendor at the time of registration prior to starting the course.
Take the Online Hunter Education Course
National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) Online Bowhunter Education Course
Ohio does not require bowhunter education, but the NBEF Bowhunter Education course is required to bowhunt in at least 11 states and many countries. This online Bowhunter Education course is only for Ohio residents (9 years of age or older) and meets this bowhunter education requirement. The online course takes approximately eight hours to complete, but you may stop and pick up where you left off in the course at any time. There are quizzes at the end of each unitand you must pass the unit quiz to proceed to the next unit. Students must pass a final exam to receive certification. There is a fee of $30 paid to the online course vendor once you complete the course and pass the final course exam. If you desire to take an in-person course, contact Doug Baxter, Ohio Bowhunter’s Association, Bowhunter Education Chairman at deermagnet1@yahoo.com or (740)-637-1681.
