How to Get Your 2026 Ohio Hunter Education Certificate Online in 3 Easy Steps
As you plan for your upcoming hunting season in Ohio, remember that the state requires all first-time hunting license buyers (except apprentice license buyers), must successfully complete a hunter education course.
The valuable information you'll learn through a hunter safety course helps you stay safe and protect others in the field. You'll learn proper firearm handling, tree stand safety, why hunters wear blaze orange for visibility, the hunting laws for your state, and more.
fiSo, if you're planning a hunt in Ohio in 2026, keep reading to learn how to get your hunter safety certificate and your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Card in Ohio?
All first-time license buyers (with the exception of apprentice license hunters) must pass a hunter safety course to earn a hunter education certificate in Ohio.
This certification is required before purchasing a hunting license. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers two options to get certified to meet this requirement.
1. Instructor-Led Course (In-Person)
Certified volunteers provide instruction in a classroom setting. Most classes take place over two days, running 8-12 hours. You must complete all hours for the class to meet the requirements.
After the classroom instruction is complete, you'll take a 100-question test. You must score at least 75% to pass and complete the certification.
Choose a course on a date and at a location that's most convenient to you. Plan ahead to complete it ahead of the hunting season, with plenty of time to get your hunting license before your hunt.
2. Online Course
Ohio residents aged 12 years old and older can take an online-only hunter education course in Ohio. Complete the full course and final exam online to earn your Ohio hunter education certificate.
After completing the course and passing all quizzes and exams, you'll print your temporary hunter education certificate. You're ready to hunt legally in Ohio right away!
The Hunter-Ed online course is the only online approved course for Ohio hunters and is the most convenient way to meet the ODNR's hunter education requirements!
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2026 Ohio Hunting License
With your hunter certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your Ohio hunting license.
- Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course)
Remember: all first-time hunting license buyers except apprentice license hunters must complete a hunter education course before hunting in Ohio.
Hunter-Ed makes it easy to do that as the only online course approved by the ODNR! - Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It
Determine which license you need. Choose from youth, resident, non-resident, apprentice, senior, and other types of licenses. Then, purchase your license online via the ODNR website or in person at a retail outlet. - Carry Proof of Your License When Hunting
Hunters must carry a valid hunting license and any necessary tags, stamps, or permits when hunting.
Next, let's look at these steps in more detail.
Step 1: How to Take the Ohio Hunter Education Course
The easiest way to get your hunter safety certification in Ohio is to take the Hunter-Ed Online course!
The Hunter-Ed course:
- Is Available anywhere you can connect to the internet using a phone, computer, or tablet.
- Can be completed in about 3 hours.
- Is approved by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and ODNR.
- Is available in English and Spanish.
- Provides free access to the course study guide to help you learn the material and pass the quizzes.
- Includes illustrations, videos, games, animations, and quizzes to help you learn the required material. Score at least 75% on the final exam to pass.
- Saves your work!
- Allows you to work at your own pace and start and stop as needed!
- Gives you free access to Hunter Perks!
Hunter-Ed course is the only IDNR-approved online course!
Step 2: Get Your Hunter Education Certificate
After completing the course through Hunter-Ed and passing the final exam, you've met the hunter education requirements for Ohio!
In your Hunter-Ed student portal, print your Hunter Education Certificate. You can hunt right away with your printed card.
Your Hunter Education Card is Your Proof of Certification
Your hunter safety card is a crucial document. Always carry it when you hunt (along with your hunting license), and be prepared to show it to wildlife officials if they ask for it during a hunt.
If you lose your card, visit the ilostmycard website to order a replacement card before hunting season begins.
Step 3: Where to Get Your Ohio Hunting License in 2026
Your Ohio hunter safety course is now behind you. You're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Remember: you'll need a new hunting license every year, unless you have a lifetime license. Your Ohio hunting license is valid from March 1 of the current year through the last day of February the following year.
Buy an Ohio DNR Hunting License Online
The easiest way to get your license is to buy it online. This can be especially convenient if you don't live close to a retail location, or you plan to hunt in Ohio while you're a resident of another state.
Buy In Person at a Retailer
If you prefer to pick up a license in person, the State of Ohio has plenty of locations that offer hunting licenses. Many sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, hardware stores, and other locations sell hunting licenses.
Why Hunter Education Is Important
Before you ever buy a tag or step into the woods, a hunter education course helps make sure you’re ready. Whether it’s your first season or you’ve been at it for years, it’s a solid way to stay sharp and make sure you’re doing things right.
Hunter education focuses on the basics that matter most: safe firearm handling and smart decision-making in real hunting situations. It’s straightforward, practical knowledge that helps keep you, your hunting partners, and everyone else in the field safe. At the end of the day, the goal is simple: everyone goes home safe.
You’ll also learn skills you’ll actually use, like navigating in and out of hunting areas, handling basic first aid, and dealing with the unexpected outdoors. Just as important, hunter safety education reinforces respect for landowners, fellow hunters, and the wildlife we’re lucky to pursue.
At its core, hunter education is about responsibility and ethics. It’s about protecting the resource and making sure the hunting tradition stays strong for the next generation.
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
Many states honor hunter education reciprocity, meaning they’ll accept a hunter safety card from another state. That’s a big advantage if you’ve already completed a course and plan to travel or hunt outside your home state.
For example, a hunter education course from Texas won’t cover Ohio regulations. Each state has its own seasons, laws, and safety requirements, and those details matter once you’re in the field.
Before assuming an out-of-state course has you covered, take a few hours to complete the Ohio Hunter-Ed course. It’s time well spent and helps make sure you’re hunting safely, legally, and with confidence when it counts.
Hunters get more with Hunter-Ed.
You get a learn-at-your-pace online course that covers everything you need to know to hunt safely (while meeting the IDNR's requirements). Plus, you also get access to Hunter Perks.
Hunter Perks is an exclusive offering from Hunter-Ed, and it's completely free for students!
As soon as you purchase your course, you unlock complete access to:
- Digital Hunting Tools: Hunter-proven resources at a discount (like app subscriptions) to help you hunt more successfully.
- Ongoing Education Opportunities: Additional courses offered at a discount to help you learn about things like archery and saddle hunting.
- Hunting Regulations: Find links to learn about the hunting regulations for Ohio each year.
- Curated Blog and Video Content: Links to informational blogs and videos to help you keep learning and exploring how to be a better hunter.
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 Ohio with Hunter-Ed
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the course for your Ohio hunter education certificate. You won't be able to hunt without it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about the Ohio hunter education certificate!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Ohio?
Yes, you need hunter education in Ohio to hunt legally if you are a first-time hunting license buyer and not hunting using an apprentice license.
Q: Can you take the Ohio Hunter Safety course online?
Yes, you can take the Ohio hunter safety course online as part of the state's requirements. Hunter-Ed is the only approved online course!
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
Sign up for your hunter education course to complete it with at least a few weeks to spare before your hunting season begins.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No, you don't need to recertify for hunter safety every season. Your Ohio hunter education course covers the only certification you'll need to hunt in the state after completing the course and passing the final exam. Your certification is valid for life!
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Get My Hunter Education Certification?
When taking the course through Hunter-Ed, the course fee is $24.95. This cost 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 required Hunter Education certification can result in fines and other penalties. Your hunting license may also be invalid until you complete the course.
