Hunter Education

Since Hunter Education became mandatory for 12-15 year old and first-time hunters in 1988, there has been a 25% reduction in the rate of hunting-related shooting incidents. While hunting is safe in comparison to other common sports, each injury can cause extreme physical and emotional pain for the victim, the shooter, and their families. Hunter Education courses are designed to teach hunting safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship. A dedicated cadre of 750 trained volunteer instructors works with 160 Conservation Police Officers to teach 14,000 students each year. A program milestone was reached in 2007 when Hunter Education in Virginia exceeded half-a-million graduates of the course.

Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors

Hunter Education volunteers are committed to training the next generation to be safe, knowledgable and ethical participants in an enduring Virginia tradition. Many have had enjoyable hunting experiences and now say that they want to "give something back." If this describes you, please get in touch with us. It can be a very rewarding experience. There is a need for instructors, class organizers, and help with transporting materials. Since working with children and firearms is part of the program, all applicants must submit to a criminal background check.

Anyone who wishes to become involved can contact the Regional Hunter Education Coordinator at the nearest regional VDGIF office, or the State Coordinator at david.dodson@dgif.virginia.gov.

Alternative Delivery Course

The Virginia Hunter Education Alternative Delivery Course is composed of an online portion, a written test, and a series of practical exercises which must be completed by each student. After selecting an Alternative Delivery course date from the list of Hunter Education courses, the student should complete the online Hunter Education course at the International Hunter Education Association's Web site. Quiz results from each section must be printed and brought to the practical exercises. After completing the on-line course, the student should study the Hunting & Trapping Regulations section at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Web site. Questions from this section and the online course will be included on the written test. The student should then register for an Alternative Delivery course. Upon satisfactory completion of the test and the practicals, the student will be awarded a certificate of Completion of Hunter Education.

No Charge

There is no charge for Virginia Hunter Education classes.

Replacement Cards

Please call 1-866-721-6911 Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (except holidays) for replacement hunter education cards. There is a $10 fee for replacement cards. You will be requested to provide the following information: your full name, date of birth, approximate date (year or month/year) of class, and current mailing address. If your attendance can be verified, a duplicate card will be issued.