Why Hunter Education?

The goal of hunter education is to train safe, responsible, and law-abiding hunters.

• The first mandated hunter education program began in New York in 1949 to reduce hunting incidents. As hunter education programs spread across the country, safety coordinators formed what is now the International Hunter Education Association to create a core curriculum for hunting courses.
• In 2014, IHEA-USA adopted a set of education standards for basic hunter education courses. These standards are the basis for this course, which not only gives beginners a good foundation but also provides a refresher for veteran hunters.
• Hunter education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are important because they:
  • Decrease hunting-related shooting incidents and other hunting injuries and...
  • Promote responsible hunter behavior, including compliance with hunting laws and regulations.