How to Get Your 2025 MN Hunter Education Course in 3 Easy Steps
Many Minnesotans hunt for a mix of reasons: to spend time outdoors, provide locally sourced food for their families, and continue cultural traditions passed down through generations. The state offers opportunities to hunt deer, waterfowl, upland birds, and small game.
Hunters have the critical responsibility of practicing good hunter safety, including wearing blaze orange for visibility, and more. Taking a hunter education course is the best way to prioritize this responsibility.
The state of Minnesota requires all hunters born after December 31, 1979, to pass a hunter safety course and exam before purchasing a hunting license.
So, if you're planning a hunt in 2025 (and looking ahead to 2026), keep reading to learn how to take your MN hunter education course and get your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Card in Minnesota?
Again, anyone born after December 1, 1979, must have a hunter safety certification.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) offers two options to meet this requirement.
1. Online Course (with Virtual Field Day) for Adults
Hunters aged 16 years and older can take an online course with a virtual field day.
While Hunter-Ed is not a designated course provider for Minnesota, our partners at HUNTECcourse are the approved providers for the online course. After you complete the course, you'll complete the Virtual Field Day through the MNDNR website.
If you have little or no firearms experience, you can also take an optional in-person field day to hone your shooting and safety skills before hunting.
2. Hunter Education/Firearms Safety Certification (with In-Person Field Day) for Youth
Youth hunters ages 11-15 must take an in-person Field Day class to complete their certification. However, they can choose two options to complete their certification:
- Hybrid: Take the online MN hunter education course through HUNTERcourse, then take an in-person Field Day class to complete the requirements.
- All In-Person: Take an in-person firearms safety class (consisting of four separate sessions), then finish the certification with the in-person Field Day.
After completing both the online course and the Field Day, you'll receive your permanent hunter education certification.
Note: In-person classes and Field Day sessions fill up quickly, so allow plenty of time to schedule these classes and complete them before hunting season.
Take the MN Hunter Education Course!
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2025 MN Hunting License
With your hunter certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your Minnesota hunting license.
- Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course)
Again, if you are a first-time hunter born after December 31, 1979, you must complete a Minnesota-approved hunter safety course before purchasing your license. - Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It
Determine which license you need for hunting. Minnesota offers licenses based on the species you plan to hunt, disabled veteran or active military status, lifetime options, youth, apprentice, and other options. Then, purchase your license online via the MNDNR website, by phone, or an approved vendor. - Carry Proof of Your License When Hunting
Always carry your license when hunting. If you also need tags (for deer, turkey, etc.), make sure you have those with you, too.
Let's look at these steps in more detail.
Step 1: How to Take the MN Hunter Education Course
For the adult hybrid option, choose the course from HUNTERcourse, which is approved by the state and a Hunter-Ed partner. Take the course, pass the final exam, and then you can finish your certification with the virtual Field Day.
You can also find an in-person field day to complete your certification if you prefer.
Step 2: Take a Field Day Session and Get Your Hunter Education Certification Card
In addition to the online course, students ages 11-15 must take the in-person field day to meet the MN hunter safety requirements. After completing the online course, youth students will be able to print a Field Day Voucher as confirmation that they've completed the course material. Use this Voucher to schedule your in-person Field Day and complete your training.
Young students can also take the hunter education course in person, along with the in-person Field Day class. In-person classes can fill up quickly, so make sure you allow plenty of time for the online coursework and the in-person day before hunting season begins!
Once you've completed the course and passed the final exam, you'll receive your certification.
Your Card is Your Proof of Certification
Remember: Your Minnesota hunter education card is proof that you completed the course and exam and understand how to hunt safely. Keep it safe like you do with other important documents.
Then, always carry your hunter education card when you hunt as proof that you completed the MN hunter education course. When you're in the field, wildlife officials can ask to see your hunting license and safety certification, and you must have them readily available.
Step 3: Where to Get Your Minnesota Hunting License in 2025
Your MN hunter education 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 MN hunting license isn't valid this year. Additionally, lifetime licenses must be renewed annually, although there is no cost for this.
As you plan what you want to hunt this year, make sure you research carefully and purchase the correct license to hunt legally this season.
Buy Online
The easiest way to get your license is to purchase it online through the Electronic License System (ELS). This option can be especially convenient if you don't live close to a retailer or you plan to hunt in Minnesota as a non-resident.
Purchase by Phone
If you prefer to talk with someone to make sure you get the correct hunting licenses, you can also purchase them by phone. Call 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE). It's a toll-free call available seven days a week, day or night.
Note: There is a 3% convenience fee for each phone transaction, and a $1.50 convenience fee to mail physical licenses or tags.
Buy from an Approved Vendor
If you prefer to get your license in person, use the MNDNR website to search for approved license agents by county.
Minnesota has many authorized agents throughout the state, including many Wal-Mart stores, supply stores, hardware stores, bait and tackle shops, resorts, and more locations.
Take the MN Hunter Education Course!
Why is Hunter Education Important?
Hunter education saves lives!
Whether you're a new hunter or a seasoned hunter, you must be a student of the sport and committed to safety.
Hunter education supports the following:
Safe and Responsible Hunting: In most states, including Minnesota, hunters must complete a certified hunter education course before obtaining a license. This ensures all hunters understand and follow state hunting laws and regulations and safety best practices in the field.
Fewer Accidents and Injuries: By emphasizing responsible field behavior, proper firearm handling, and other safety principles, hunter safety programs help prevent accidents and make hunting safer for everyone.
More Knowledgeable and Skilled Hunters: Hunter education courses provide vital instruction in firearm safety, first aid, navigation, tree stand safety, and survival skills. They also teach respect for fellow hunters, private property, and the natural environment.
Ethical and Sustainable Hunting: These programs instill a sense of responsibility and integrity in hunters, promoting ethical conduct, respect for wildlife, and compliance with conservation laws that protect game populations for future generations.
So, if you want to be a better hunter, start with hunter education to build your foundation of skills, strategies, and safety best practices.
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
Some states accept hunter education certifications from other states. It's known as "reciprocity."
In other words, a course specific to another state (like Texas) may not adequately prepare you for hunting in Minnesota.
So, before you trust another course from another state or assume that "one course fits all states," make sure you choose a Minnesota-specific course approved by the state!
Get Hunter Safety Certified in Minnesota
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the MN hunter education course. You won't be able to hunt without it!
Take the MN Hunter Education Course!
Hunting in another state? Take the Hunter-Ed course for that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to your questions about taking the MN hunter safety course!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Minnesota?
Yes! If you were born after December 31, 1979, you must complete a Hunter Education course to hunt legally in Minnesota.
Q: Can you take the MN Hunter Safety course online?
Yes, but this only partially meets the state's hunter education requirement. As part of the self-study certification option, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources allows students to take an online course in conjunction with a required Field Day. Adults ages 16 and older can take a virtual field day, while students ages 11-15 must take an in-person field day.
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
We highly recommend signing up and completing your course a few weeks before the season begins. Make sure you account for the time you'll need to take the online course and the Field Day to complete the state's requirements.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No! Your MN hunter education course is the only certification you'll need to hunt in Minnesota. Your certification is good for life!
Q: What happens if you hunt without hunter ed?
Hunting without the state's required hunter education certification can result in fines. Your hunting license may also be invalid until you complete the course.
Take the MN Hunter Education Course!
Hunting in another state? Take the Hunter-Ed course for that state.
