Where Can You Take the Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course?
The Wisconsin hunter safety course is available online at ilearntohunt, approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR). If you're 18 or older, you can complete the entire requirement online, with no Field Day needed.
Hunters under 18 have one extra stop: after finishing the online coursework, they still need to attend an in-person Field Day with a certified instructor.
Here's an overview of where to find each part of the Wisconsin hunter safety course, whether you're certifying online start to finish or need to track down a Field Day near you.
Where Can You Find the Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course?
Wisconsin offers three ways to complete hunter education, and which one applies to you depends mostly on age.
- Hunters 18 and older can do everything through ilearntohunt, with no in-person time required.
- Hunters under 18 complete the same online course, then attend a required Field Day with a certified instructor.
- If you'd rather skip the online portion entirely, WI DNR's traditional multi-day classroom course covers the full requirement for any age.
Note: Before you can register for any option, you'll need a Wisconsin Customer ID number through Go Wild, the DNR's online license portal.
Use the table below as a quick reference for where to register for each option.
Where to Find the Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course | ||
Format | Register/Access | Notes |
Online (ages 18+) | ilearntohunt Wisconsin course | Self-paced, approximately 3 hours. No Field Day required. |
Traditional Course (all ages) | WI DNR safety education page | Multi-day, in-person |
| Field Day (under 18) | Go Wild Field Day class lookup | Required after the online course (6 to 8 hours) |
Most states, including Wisconsin, now let new hunters take the course online for at least part of their certification. Learn more about how long the course takes before you register for either option.
Who Needs to Take the Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course?
Wisconsin requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1973. Hunters using the Mentored Hunting Law can hunt without a certificate as long as they stay within arm's reach of a licensed mentor.
You don't need to be a Wisconsin resident to take the course. Just make sure you check WI DNR's season dates so you're certified before you head out.
How to Take Your Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course
Getting certified in Wisconsin looks different depending on your age, so know which path applies to you before you start.
- Get your Wisconsin Customer ID number through Go Wild before you register for any course.
- Go to the ilearntohunt Wisconsin course to start the self-paced online modules. Most students finish in about 3 hours.
- If you're 18 or older, print your Hunter Education Safety Certificate right away. If you're under 18, print your Field Day voucher and register for a required Field Day.
Start your certification well ahead of the fall hunting season (or the season you plan to hunt), since Field Day spots can fill up fast as hunting season approaches.
Is There an In-Person "Test Out" Option for Adults?
Yes. Adults 18 and older who complete an approved online course can also register for an in-person "test out" session at DNR service centers, held bi-monthly across the state.
It's optional, not required, but some adults prefer the added confirmation of an in-person check.
What Happens at a Wisconsin Field Day, and Why Is It Required?
Wisconsin requires the Field Day for hunters under 18 because firearm handling is a skill that's hard to certify from a screen.
At the Field Day, you'll work through:
- Hands-on firearm handling and safety demonstrations with a certified instructor
- Practical exercises that reinforce what you learned in the online modules
- A multiple-choice exam covering Wisconsin-specific laws and safety topics
- A hands-on, skills-based assessment to confirm you can handle a firearm safely
Bring your Field Day voucher and be ready to spend the better part of a day in the field, since sessions typically run 6 to 8 hours.
Passing both the exam and the skills assessment earns you your Hunter Education Safety Certificate.
How Much Does the Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course Cost?
Costs depend on your age and which format you choose, and Wisconsin has one unusual perk: the online course is free for hunters under 18.
Costs: Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course | |
Course | Cost |
| ilearntohunt online course (ages 18+) | $49.95, plus a $10 WI DNR fee |
| ilearntohunt online course (under 18 Youth Course) | Free, plus a $10 WI DNR fee |
| Traditional Course (all ages) | $10, paid to the instructor |
The $10 DNR fee applies to every path and funds the state's hunter education program. Field Days themselves don't add a separate fee beyond what you've already paid for the online course.
Start Your Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course Online Today
Getting certified in Wisconsin means taking one step if you're 18 or older: taking the hunter education course through ilearntohunt. If you're under 18, you'll also need a certified instructor for your Field Day.
Get started with the Wisconsin hunter safety course, then schedule your nearest Field Day if you're under 18. Make sure you complete both steps before opening day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I take the Wisconsin hunter safety course online?
A: Yes. Hunters 18 and older can complete the entire Wisconsin hunter safety course online at ilearntohunt in about 3 hours. Hunters under 18 also start online, but they need to attend a Field Day afterward.
Q: Do I need to attend an in-person class for the Wisconsin hunter safety course?
A: It depends on your age. Hunters under 18 must attend a Field Day after finishing the online portion of the Wisconsin hunter safety course, while hunters 18 and older can certify entirely online with no in-person requirement.
Q: Where do I register for a Wisconsin Field Day?
A: You register for a Field Day through Go Wild, the Wisconsin DNR's online license portal, where you can search for sessions near you. Bring your Field Day voucher from the completed hunter safety course, since you won't be admitted without it.
Q: Do I need to be a Wisconsin resident to take the hunter safety course?
A: No. You don't need to be a Wisconsin resident to take the online hunter safety course, attend a Traditional Course, or attend a Field Day. Nonresidents complete the same requirements as residents.
Q: Does Wisconsin accept hunter education certificates from other states?
A: Yes. Wisconsin accepts hunter education certifications issued by other states, provinces, or countries that meet IHEA-USA standards, so you likely won't need to retake the course if you're already certified elsewhere.
Q: Is the online course free for hunters under 18 in Wisconsin?
A: Yes. The ilearntohunt online course is free for hunters under 18, though you'll still pay a $10 WI DNR fee. Adults 18 and older pay $49.95 plus the same $10 fee.
