Why Hunter Education?

The goal of hunter education is to train safe, responsible, and law-abiding hunters.

• The first mandated hunter education program began in New York in 1949 to reduce hunting incidents. Alaska’s program started in 1973, and every year, thousands of students are certified.
• As hunter education programs spread across the country, safety coordinators formed what is now the International Hunter Education Association to create a core curriculum for hunting courses.
• In 2014, IHEA-USA adopted a set of education standards for basic hunter education courses. These standards are the basis for this course, which not only gives beginners a good foundation but also provides a refresher for veteran hunters.
• Hunter education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are important because they:
  • Decrease hunting-related shooting incidents and other hunting injuries and...
  • Promote responsible hunter behavior, including compliance with hunting laws and regulations, and improve relationships with non-hunters.