How to Get Your 2026 Kansas Hunter Education Course in 3 Easy Steps
In Kansas, anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must be hunter education certified from an approved course before hunting in the state.
No matter when you hunt throughout the year, you must practice good hunter safety, including understanding the state's hunting laws, wearing blaze orange for visibility, proper firearm handling, and more.
So, if you're planning a Kansas hunt in 2026, keep reading to learn how to take your Kansas hunter education course and get your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Card in Kansas?
Kansas requires all hunters born on or before July 1, 1957, to get a hunter education card. You must be at least 11 years old to become certified.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offers four options to get certified and hunt legally in the state.
1. Take the Free Online Course (Residents 18 Years and Older)
If you are a Kansas resident and at least 18 years old, you can take the free online course offered by the NRA in partnership with the KDWP and Kansas Hunter Education. After passing the course, you'll receive your hunter education certificate you can print from a computer.
2. Take the Free Online Course in Spanish (Residents 18 Years and Older)
Hunter-Ed is pleased to offer the Kansas hunter education course in Spanish! Our online course is offered in partnership with the KDWP and Kansas Hunter Education—free of charge.
Spanish-speaking hunters ages 18 and older can take this course for the state's hunter education requirement.
3. Take a Traditional Course (In-Person)
Hunters ages 11 and older can take a traditional, in-person instructor-led course. This course covers everything hunters need to know, including ethics, firearms basics, fair chase, field safety, bowhunting, Kansas hunting regulations, and more.
These classes are a minimum of 10 hours long, with many going up to 12 hours over two or more days. Register for a class on a date and at a location convenient to you. Make sure you allow plenty of time to complete the course and receive your certification before hunting season begins!
4. Take a Hybrid Course (Online and In-Person)
Hunters can also meet the Kansas hunter education requirements by taking the free NRA online hunter education course, then also completing a 4-hour in-person Field Day.
Note that students ages 11-17 must take the in-person Field Day if they select the online course option. Adults can also choose this option (but it's not required).
You'll need to complete both portions of the class to receive your hunter education certification.
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2026 Kansas Hunting License
With your hunter certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your Kansas hunting license.
- Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course)
Again, if you have not yet completed a hunter education course and you were born on or after July 1, 1957, you must complete the requirements for hunter education in Kansas. - Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It
Determine which license you need. Kansas offers resident, nonresident, senior resident, kids, resident apprentice, lifetime, National Guard, disabled veteran, and other types of hunting licenses. Then, purchase your license online via the GoOutdoorsKansas website, from license agents, or KDWP offices. - Carry Your License When Hunting
Hunters must always carry a valid license when hunting. If you also need tags, permits, or stamps (for deer, turkey, waterfowl, etc.), make sure you have those with you, too.
Let's look at these steps in more detail.
Step 1: How to Take the Kansas Hunter Education Course
Hunters aged 18 years and older can take the free online NRA hunter education course for Kansas. Hunters can also take the Spanish-language course offered through Hunter-Ed.
The Hunter-Ed Course:
- Is offered only in Spanish for Kansas hunter education.
- Is available anywhere you can connect to the internet using a computer, phone, or tablet.
- Can be completed in about 3 hours.
- Is approved by the International Hunter Education Association U.S.A (IHEA) and KDWP.
- Provides free access to the course study guide to help you learn the material and pass the quizzes.
- Includes animations, illustrations, videos, games, and quizzes to help you learn the required material. Score at least 80% on the final exam to pass.
- Saves your work and allows you to work at your own pace.
- Gives you free access to Hunter Perks!
If you prefer an in-person classroom experience, you have two options:
- Take a Traditional course (10-12 hours of in-person classroom and field instruction)
- Take a Hybrid course (take the free online course through Hunter-Ed in Spanish or the NRA, then attend a 4-hour in-person Field Day)
When choosing the hybrid course option, you'll take the online course first, print the Field Day Qualifier Certificate to register for a Hybrid Hunter Education Field Day, then attend and complete the Field Day.
Note that attending the last day of a Traditional course does not count as your Hybrid Field Day.
Step 2: Get Your Hunter Education Certificate
After completing the course (either online or through the in-person or hybrid courses), you've met the hunter education requirements for Kansas!
You'll then print your hunter education certification (or card) from a computer.
Your Hunter Education Card is Proof of Certification
Your hunter safety card is a crucial document. Always carry it when you hunt (along with your hunting license). Be prepared to show it to wildlife officials if they ask for it during a hunt.
If you lose your card, you can print a new one through the KSOutdoors website.
Step 3: Where to Get Your Kansas Hunting License in 2026
Your Kansas hunter safety course is now behind you. You're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Remember that you'll need a new hunting license every year. Last year's Kansas hunting license isn't valid this year.
Buy Online
The easiest way to get your license is to buy it online. This option can be especially convenient if you don't live close to a license agent or you plan to hunt in Kansas as a nonresident.
Buy from a License Agent
If you prefer to pick up a license in person, the state of Kansas offers plenty of retail locations offering hunting licenses.
Use this resource to find an agent location near you. In general, many county clerk offices, Wal-Mart stores, gun shops, and other locations can help you buy a hunting license in Kansas.
Buy at a KDWP Administrative Office
You can also pick up a hunting license and tags at one of nine KDWP administrative offices. These are:
| KDWP Administrative Offices | ||
Office of the Secretary—Topeka Office 1020 S. Kansas, Rm 200 Topeka, KS, 66612-1327 Phone: 785-296-2281 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday | 300 SW Wanamaker Road Topeka, KS, 66606 Phone: 785-273-5740 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday | 1001 W. McArtor Rd Dodge City, KS, 67801-6024 Phone: 620-227-8609 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday |
512 SE 25th Avenue Pratt, KS, 67124-8174 Phone: 620-672-5911 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday | Wichita Region 3 | 137 E. 21st St Chanute, KS, 66720 Phone: 620-431-0380 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday |
1426 U.S. 183 Bypass P.O. Box 338 Hays, KS, 67601-0338 Phone: 785-628-8614 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday | 8304 Hedge Lane Terrace Shawnee, KS, 66227 Phone: 913-422-1314 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday | Emporia Research and Survey Office 1830 Merchant Emporia, KS, 66801-1525 Phone: 620-342-0658 Office Hours: 8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday-Friday |
Why is Hunter Education Important?
Hunter education is the foundation of responsible hunting. Whether you’re heading out for your first season or you’ve been hunting for years, the best hunters never stop learning—and they never cut corners on safety.
Hunter education helps you:
- Hunt safely and legally by understanding state laws and regulations.
- Build core skills like firearm safety, navigation, first aid, and proper tree stand use.
- Reduce the risk of accidents in the field.
- Practice ethical, sustainable hunting that protects wildlife and keeps the tradition strong for future generations.
If you want to be a smarter, safer, and more effective hunter, it starts with hunter education. It sharpens your skills, improves your decision-making, and reinforces the safety habits that matter most in the field.
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
Some states recognize hunter education certifications from other states. This is called reciprocity.
That said, if you haven’t taken a course specific to the state you plan to hunt, you may miss important details, like local laws, regulations, seasons, and safety requirements. For example, hunting in Kansas without taking the Kansas hunter education course could leave you unprepared for state-specific rules.
Before assuming one course covers every state, take the Kansas–approved hunter education course and get properly certified. It’s the best way to hunt legally, safely, and with confidence.
Why Choose Hunter-Ed
Hunters get more with Hunter-Ed.
When you choose our Spanish-language course for Kansas hunter education (or any of our English or Spanish-language courses for other states), you get a learn-at-your-pace online course that covers everything you need to know to hunt safely (while meeting the KDWP's requirements).
Plus, you also get access to Hunter Perks, an exclusive offering from Hunter-Ed. It's completely free for students and includes:
- Curated Blog and Video Content: Informational blogs and videos to help you keep learning to be a better hunter.
- Digital Hunting Tools: Hunter-proven resources at a discount (including app subscriptions) to help you hunt more successfully.
- Ongoing Education Opportunities: More courses available at a discount to help you learn about things like archery and saddle hunting.
- Hunting Regulations: Links to learn about the hunting regulations each year.
Plus, your Hunter Perks include contests to win free stuff and discounts on gear, so you have everything you need for great hunts (while saving money).
Get Hunter Safety Certified in Kansas
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the hunter education course Kansas. You won't be able to hunt without it!
Hunting in another state? Take the Hunter-Ed course for that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to your questions about taking the Kansas hunter education course!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Kansas?
Yes, you need hunter education! If you were born on or after July 1, 1957, and are at least 11 years old, you must complete one to hunt legally in Kansas.
Q: Can you take the Kansas Hunter Safety course online?
Yes, you can take an online hunter safety course for Kansas. The NRA offers a free course in partnership with the KWDP, or you can take the Spanish-language course (also free) through Hunter-Ed.
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
It's crucial to sign up and complete your hunter safety course a few weeks before the hunting season begins.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No, you don't need a certification for each season. Your Kansas hunter education course is the only certification you'll need to hunt in Kansas. Your certification is good for life!
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Get My Hunter Education Certification?
When taking the Spanish-language course through Hunter-Ed, the course is free! This includes the course and study guide, unlimited tries to pass the final exam, your hunter education card, and Hunter Perks.
Q: What happens if you hunt without hunter ed?
Hunting without the state's required hunter education certification can result in fines and other penalties. Your hunting license may also be invalid until you complete the course.
Hunting in another state? Take the Hunter-Ed course for that state.
