Official California Hunter Safety Course Online
Take this California–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Lifetime Card
Do you need California Hunting education?
You need education if you are a first-time hunter who will be buying a hunting license in California or you do not have a hunting license from another state or province issued within the last two years.
How to Get your Hunter Education Certificate in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for a Hunter Ed account, pay for the official course, and get started. It only takes a few minutes.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile. We automatically save your progress so you can learn at your own pace.
Step 3
est. 30-60 mins
Complete Additional State Requirements
Before obtaining your certification and hitting the field, you'll need to complete your state's in-person requirements.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Hunting!
That's it. You're ready to buy your tag and hit the field.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Requirements
Go ID Number You’ll need your California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) GO ID to complete the course. Visit CDFW’s Online License website to locate your existing GO ID or create a new one. Contact CDFW at 916-928-2537 or [email protected] for assistance.
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course.
After This Course
After passing the online course, you are required to attend the Follow-Up Class to complete your hunting safety certification.
What to Expect From Hunter Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe hunting practices.
Watch this 73-second sample to see how we put you in the hunter’s camo.
Comprehensive Instruction in California Hunting Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Hunting safety education established by California. Hunter Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Hunting laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Hunter Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
California Approved
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
1416 9th Street, Suite 1342-6A
Sacramento, CA 95814
Made in the U.S.A.
This California hunter safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations in the state of California and worldwide.
How do I get my California Hunter Education Certificate?
1. Study and pass the California Department of Fish and Wildlife–Approved online course.
Study and pass the $24.95 course. Throughout the California Hunter Ed Course, you’ll be tested on what you’ve learned.
2. Sign up for and attend the Follow-Up Class.
Print out your Online Course Completion Voucher, which you will need to bring with you to the Follow-Up Class. You need to locate and sign up for the Follow-Up Class. To sign up, go to https://www.register-ed.com/programs/california/161.
Remember: Passing the online course does not guarantee you a spot at the Follow-Up Class.
3. Get your California Hunter Education Certificate.
You'll receive your Hunter Education Certificate after successfully completing the Follow-Up Class.
Get Certified
Deer Season in California is divided into specific periods based on the hunting zone and the species of deer being hunted. California is home to many unique species of deer, each having a season and ruleset.
The general deer hunting season in California is split into different periods: archery, general rifle, and muzzleloader seasons, with some additional late-season hunts in specific zones. Archery season is generally scheduled in late summer and early autumn, while general rifle and muzzleloader seasons occur around late autumn.
The optimal time to hunt deer in California is determined by the species and your chosen manner of hunting. During the early archery season, deer might be more active and less pressured, while general rifle season can offer more opportunities due to higher hunter participation.
Before purchasing a hunting license in California, all first-time hunters, residents or otherwise, must pass an education course. Participants learn key concepts like firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and hunting regulations.
Hunt More Strategically
The HuntWise app combines pinpoint mapping features with accurate weather forecasting to provide hunters with the ideal tool to determine the best times and places to hunt all major North American game species. Complete your Hunter's Ed certification and you can get 50% off everything HuntWise PRO has to offer.
You can take advantage of this offer during checkout.
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California Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the California Hunter Ed Course cost?
The California Hunter Ed Course fee is $24.95.
Taking the Course
Do you need California Hunting education?
You need education if you are a first-time hunter who will be buying a hunting license in California or you do not have a hunting license from another state or province issued within the last two years.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the California Hunter Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the California Hunter Ed Course approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife?
The California Hunter Ed Course is approved and accepted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Is my California Hunter Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the California Hunter Education Certificate. Likewise, California will accept Hunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
You do not have to take an online exam, but you are required to attend the Follow-Up Class to complete your Hunting safety certification.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online California Hunter Ed Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Online Course Completion Voucher. This is your proof of online course completion. This proof is required to attend a Follow-Up Class.
What is the permanent California Hunter Education Certificate?
The Hunter Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. After attending and passing both portions of the hunting education requirement (the online course and the Follow-Up Class) you will receive your Hunter Education Certificate.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Hunter Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Hunter Education Certificate, go to https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education/FAQ#29812903-how-do-i-replace-a-lost-certificate.
We’re people, not robots.
Your Hunter Ed course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm CST
Sat-Sun 8am to 5pm CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
