How Long Is the Louisiana Hunter Safety Course?
The Louisiana hunter safety course through ilearntohunt takes under 3 hours to complete online, though what happens next depends on how old you are. The course is self-paced and approved by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
Hunters 16 and older wrap up entirely online. Hunters under 16 need a Field Day afterward, adding several more hours in person.
Here's what to expect at each age, and how long the whole process takes.
Who Needs to Take the Louisiana Hunter Safety Course?
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969, must complete hunter education before buying a Louisiana hunting license.
Louisiana doesn't set a firm minimum age to take the course, but there's a catch for the youngest students: certifications earned before age 10 come with only a one-year voucher, and the student has to retake the course after turning 10 to earn lifetime certification.
The online course isn't limited to residents. Anyone can register, regardless of where they live.
Active or veteran members of the U.S. Armed Forces and POST-certified law enforcement officers may qualify for a Louisiana-only exemption from the requirement entirely. Once earned, your certification is good for life, and Louisiana accepts hunter education certifications from other states and Canadian provinces.
What's Included in the Louisiana Hunter Safety Course?
Every student, regardless of age, works through the same core material online:
- Firearm and bow handling
- Hunter ethics and responsibility
- Wildlife identification and conservation
- Game care and first aid
- Tree stand safety
- Louisiana hunting regulations
The course wraps up with a final exam requiring a 75% score to pass, and you get unlimited attempts if you don't pass on the first try. Hunters under 16 also attend a Field Day, which goes over Louisiana-specific rules and hands-on skills the online modules don't cover.
Visit the LDWF Hunter and Trapper Education page for the state's full requirements.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
Your age determines how much time you'll actually spend getting certified in Louisiana.
Louisiana Hunter Safety Course: Timeframe by Format | ||
Format | Time | Notes |
Online course (ages 16+) | Under 3 hours | Self-paced. No Field Day required. Open to residents and nonresidents. |
Online course + Field Day (under 16) | Under 3 hours online, plus 4–6 hours in person | Field Day covers Louisiana-specific rules and hands-on skills. |
Classroom Course | 10 hours over 1–3 days | In-person, taught by LDWF staff or certified volunteers. Open to any age. |
Hunters 16 and up have the shortest path since the online course alone gets them certified. Younger hunters cover the same online material but need to schedule a Field Day to finish, so it's worth planning ahead rather than waiting until the last minute.
To learn more about both types of hunter education classes, see how the online and in-person courses compare.
How to Get Hunter Safety Certified in Louisiana
Here's how the process plays out once you register:
- Start the ilearntohunt Louisiana course. Head to the ilearntohunt Louisiana course page to begin the self-paced online modules.
- Pass the final exam. You'll need a score of at least 75%. Most students finish the entire online portion in under 3 hours.
- Check what's next based on your age. If you're 16 or older, print your permanent Hunter Education Certificate and you're finished. If you're under 16, print your proof of completion and use it to register for a required Field Day.
Passing the online course doesn't reserve you a Field Day spot, so sign up as soon as you're eligible rather than waiting.
When Do I Need to Get Certified?
Louisiana hunting licenses are tied to an annual license year, so plan to complete hunter education well before the season you're targeting.
If you're under 16, build in extra time for scheduling a Field Day, since availability varies by area and sessions can fill up as hunting season approaches.
Check the LDWF hunting seasons page for current dates once you're certified.
Start Your Louisiana Hunter Safety Course Online Today
Louisiana's online course takes under 3 hours no matter your age, and hunters 16 and up can stop there. If you're younger, plan ahead for your Field Day so you're certified before hunting season opens.
Take the Louisiana hunter safety course with ilearntohunt to get one step closer to your hunting license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Louisiana hunter safety course take online?
A: The online portion of the Louisiana hunter safety course takes under 3 hours to complete. It's self-paced, so you can finish it in one sitting or spread it across a few sessions.
Q: Is there an in-person Field Day required for the Louisiana hunter safety course?
A: The Louisiana Field Day requirements depends on your age. Hunters 16 and older can certify completely online with no Field Day required. Hunters under 16 must complete a Field Day, typically 4 to 6 hours, after finishing the online course.
Q: Is there a minimum age to take the Louisiana hunter safety course online?
A: Louisiana doesn't set a strict minimum age for the online hunter safety course, but students who certify before turning 10 only receive a one-year voucher. They'll need to retake the course after their 10th birthday to earn lifetime certification.
Q: Can nonresidents take the Louisiana hunter safety course online?
A: Yes. Louisiana doesn't restrict the online course to state residents, so hunters from anywhere can register.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Louisiana hunter safety course?
A: You need to score at least 75% on the final Louisiana hunter education course exam. You get unlimited attempts if you don't pass on your first try.
Q: Is anyone exempt from the Louisiana hunter safety requirement?
A: Yes. Active or veteran members of the U.S. Armed Forces and POST-certified law enforcement officers may qualify for a Louisiana-only exemption from the hunter education requirement entirely.
