Official South Dakota Hunter Safety Course Online
Take this South Dakota–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
Two exam attempts
Lifetime Card
Do you need South Dakota Hunting education?
You need education if you are under 16 years old.
How to Get your Hunter Education Certificate in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for a Hunter Ed account, pay for the official course, and get started. It only takes a few minutes.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile. We automatically save your progress so you can learn at your own pace.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Complete Additional State Requirements
After passing the online course, you're able to print your hunter education certificate immediately. If you are under 16 years of age, you'll need to complete your states in-person requirements.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Hunting!
That's it. You're ready to buy your tag and hit the field.
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks Requirements
You must be at least 11 years old to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of South Dakota to take this online course.
After This Course
If you are under 16 years of age when you REGISTER for this course, you must pass this online course and attend the Independent Study Field Day to complete your hunting safety certification.
What to Expect From Hunter Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe hunting practices.
Watch this 73-second sample to see how we put you in the hunter’s camo.
Comprehensive Instruction in South Dakota Hunting Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Hunting safety education established by South Dakota. Hunter Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Hunting laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Hunter Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
South Dakota Approved
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
20641 SD Hwy 1806
Ft. Pierre, SD 57532
Made in the U.S.A.
This South Dakota hunter safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations in the state of South Dakota and worldwide.
How do I get my South Dakota HuntSAFE Certificate?
1. Study and pass the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks–Approved online course.
Study and pass the $24.95 course. Throughout the South Dakota Hunter Ed Course, you’ll be tested on what you’ve learned.
2. Complete your age-dependent certification requirements.
If you are 16 years or older, after successfully completing the online course, you’ll immediately print out your permanent HuntSAFE Certificate.
If you are under 16 years of age, you’ll immediately print out your proof of online course completion, which you will need to bring with you to the Independent Study Field Day. You need to locate and sign up for the Independent Study Field Day. To sign up, go to https://gfpga.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/hunter-education/ClassList.aspx.
Remember: Passing the online course does not guarantee you a spot at the Independent Study Field Day.
3. Get your HuntSAFE Certificate.
If you are 16 years or older, the HuntSAFE Certificate you printed in step 2 serves as your permanent certificate and allows you to legally purchase a hunting license or permit where required.
If you are under 16 years of age, you'll receive your permanent HuntSAFE Certificate after successfully completing the Independent Study Field Day. After successful completion of the required Independent Study Field Day, your permanent HuntSAFE Certificate will be mailed to you by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
Get Certified
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You can take advantage of this offer during checkout.
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South Dakota Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the South Dakota Hunter Ed Course cost?
The South Dakota Hunter Ed Course fee is $24.95.
Taking the Course
Do you need South Dakota Hunting education?
You need education if you are under 16 years old.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
You must be at least 11 years old to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the South Dakota Hunter Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of South Dakota to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the South Dakota Hunter Ed Course approved by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks?
The South Dakota Hunter Ed Course is approved and accepted by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
Is my South Dakota HuntSAFE Certificate accepted elsewhere?
All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the South Dakota HuntSAFE Certificate. Likewise, South Dakota will accept Hunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Hunter Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the Hunter Certification Exam to pass. You have 2 attempts to pass the Hunter Certification Exam. If you do not pass the exam in the 2 attempts given, you will be required to repeat the entire course. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online South Dakota Hunter Ed Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print your proof of online completion and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
If you are under 16 years of age, you will need to bring this document with you to your Independent Study Field Day.
What is the permanent South Dakota HuntSAFE Certificate?
The HuntSAFE Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. This certificate is your permanent certificate and allows you to legally purchase a hunting license or permit where required.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my HuntSAFE Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged HuntSAFE Certificate, go to https://gfpga.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/hunter-education/Search.aspx.
We’re people, not robots.
Your Hunter Ed course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm CST
Sat-Sun 8am to 5pm CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
