Where Can You Take the Texas Hunter Safety Course?
The Texas hunter safety course is available fully online at ilearntohunt.com, approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). If you're 17 or older, you can complete the entire requirement online, with no Field Course needed.
Hunters under 17 have one extra stop: after finishing the online coursework, they still need to attend an in-person Field Course with a certified instructor.
Here's exactly where to find each part of the Texas hunter safety course, whether you're certifying online start to finish or need to track down a Field Course near you.
Where Can You Find the Texas Hunter Safety Course?
Texas offers three ways to complete hunter education, and which one applies to you depends mostly on age.
- Hunters 17 and older can do everything through ilearntohunt, with no classroom or field time required.
- Hunters 9 to 16 complete an online course, then attend a required Field Course with a certified instructor.
If you'd rather skip the online portion entirely, TPWD's Classroom Course covers the full requirement for any age in a single in-person session.
Note: Passing the online course doesn't guarantee you a spot at a Field Course, so register for your session as soon as you finish the online portion.
Use the table below as a quick reference for where to register for each option.
Where to Find the Texas Hunter Safety Course | ||
Format | Register/Access | Notes |
Online (ages 17+) | ilearntohunt Texas course | Self-paced, about 3 hours (no Field Course required). |
Classroom Course (all ages) | TPWD Classroom Course registration | 6 hours in one session |
Field Course (Field Day, ages 9–16) | TPWD Field Course registration | Required after the online course (minimum 4 hours) |
Most states, including Texas, now let new hunters take the course online for at least part of their certification. If you'd rather understand the time commitment first, see how long the course takes before you register anywhere.
Who Needs to Take the Texas Hunter Safety Course?
Texas requires hunter education for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, regardless of age or residency. The minimum age for certification is 9.
You don't need to be a Texas resident to take the course. Once you're certified, your Hunter Education Certificate is valid for life, so check TPWD's season dates before you head out.
How to Take Your Texas Hunter Safety Course
Getting certified in Texas looks different depending on your age, so know which path applies to you before you start.
- Visit the ilearntohunt Texas course to start the self-paced online course. Most students finish in about 3 hours.
- Pass the final exam with a score of 75% or higher, then print your certificate or voucher.
- If you're 17 or older, download your Hunter Education Certificate; you're done. If you're under 17, register for and attend a required Field Course with your voucher in hand.
Hunters under 17 should start their certification well ahead of the fall hunting season (or the season you plan to hunt), since Field Course spots can fill up fast as hunting season approaches.
What If You Can't Find a Field Course Near You?
You can complete the six-hour Classroom Course instead, since both paths lead to the same certification. You can also ask TPWD to add you to a wait list, and instructors typically set up a new session near you within three months.
How Much Does the Texas Hunter Safety Course Cost?
Costs depend on which path you take and how old you are, so it's worth budgeting before you register. Younger hunters heading to a Field Course pay less overall than adults certifying fully online.
Costs: Texas Hunter Safety Course | |
Course | Cost |
| ilearntohunt online course (ages 17+) | $49.95, plus a $5.25 TPWD fee Classroom Course (all ages) |
| Classroom Course (all ages) | $15, paid to the instructor |
| Field Course (ages 9–16) | $15, paid to the instructor |
The TPWD fee applies only to hunters 17 and older who certify entirely online, and it funds the state's hunter education program. Some Classroom and Field Course instructors also charge a small added fee for range or facility use.
Start Your Texas Hunter Safety Course Online Today
Getting certified in Texas means visiting one place if you're 17 or older: ilearntohunt.com. If you're under 17, you'll also need a certified instructor for your Field Course.
Get started with the Texas hunter safety course, then schedule your nearest Field Course if you're under 17.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I take the Texas hunter safety course online?
A: Yes. Hunters 17 and older can complete the entire Texas hunter safety course online at ilearntohunt.com in about 3 hours. Hunters 9 to 16 can also start online, but they need to attend a Field Course afterward to complete the certification.
Q: Do I need to attend an in-person class for the Texas hunter safety course?
A: It depends on your age. Hunters under 17 must attend a Field Course after finishing the online portion of the Texas hunter safety course, while hunters 17 and older can certify entirely online with no in-person requirement.
Q: Where do I register for a Texas Field Course?
A: You register for a Texas Field Course through TPWD's official registration system, where you can search for sessions near you. Bring your Temporary Hunter Education Certificate as proof you finished the online course.
Q: Do I need to be a Texas resident to take the hunter safety course?
A: No. You don't need to be a Texas resident to take the hunter safety online course, attend a Classroom Course, or attend a Field Course. Nonresidents complete the same requirements as residents.
Q: Does Texas accept hunter education certificates from other states?
A: Yes. Texas accepts hunter education certifications issued by other states, provinces, or countries that meet IHEA-USA standards. You likely won't need to retake the course if you're already certified elsewhere.
Q: Can adults take the Classroom Course instead of the online course?
A: Yes. The Classroom Course for the Texas hunter education certification is open to any age, including adults who'd rather complete their hunter safety requirement in a single in-person session instead of online.
