Nebraska Hunter and Bowhunter Laws and Regulations

Who is required to complete hunter education in Nebraska?

According to Nebraska law, all hunters 12 through 29 years old must complete hunter education certification and must carry proof of firearm hunter education completion when hunting with a firearm or airgun.

Is completion of the Nebraska state agency-approved course required in order to buy a license?

Yes, in some cases. In order to buy a license, Nebraska requires that hunters who are 12 through 29 years old must first complete a course approved by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and IHEA-USA. Hunters must carry proof of course completion while hunting with a firearm or airgun.

Elsewhere

Hunter and Bowhunter education is currently required in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Reciprocity

All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the Nebraska Hunter and Bowhunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Nebraska will accept Hunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

What Makes a Course Approved?

To be approved by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, a course must teach hunters to become:

• Safe (by following all hunting safety rules)
• Responsible (about hunting, wildlife, conservation, and hunting laws)
• Knowledgeable (by knowing and demonstrating acceptable behavior and attitudes while hunting)
• Involved (in joining and participating in hunting and conservation organizations)

Meets IHEA-USA Standards

This Nebraska Hunter Ed online hunting education course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by IHEA-USA and meets the requirements of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission hunter safety mandate.

About the Standards

In 1999 the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) adopted a set of performance guidelines for basic hunter education courses. These standards have been used internationally by hunter education administrators to evaluate minimum core content in hunter education courses. Industry partners, including the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and Hunter Ed, have used the revised standards to develop new student manuals and alternative delivery methods for hunter education.

Our Commitment to Hunter Education

Hunter Ed is committed to making sure Nebraska hunter education students learn the skills and information needed to have a safe, successful, and fun hunt. We strive to ensure this Nebraska online hunter safety course helps you become a more knowledgeable and ethical hunter. Educated hunters play an important role in making Nebraska a leader in conservation and wildlife management.

We accomplish that goal by working with Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and IHEA-USA to produce a course that’s accurate, interesting, and easy to understand.

As a new hunter, you can be proud of your contributions to wildlife conservation and your role as a steward of our natural resources.