Basic Hunter Education

The Basic Hunter Education (HE) courses provide training in firearms safety, wildlife conservation, as well as, respect for our natural resources, landowners, and other hunters. Graduates receive lifetime certification recognized by all states, Canadian provinces and Mexico. Since originating in about 1950, nearly 30 million students have completed the Basic Hunter Education training in the United States. Conclusive evidence shows that the HE course has dramatically reduced hunting related firearms accidents — up to 75% in some states — and has brought about positive change in hunter skills, attitudes and behavior.

Hunter Education is required for hunters born AFTER January 1, 1986 who intend to hunt in Units 7, 13-15, and 20. The following apply:

• If you are 16 years old or older, you must have successfully completed a certified Basic Hunter Education course.
• If you are under 16 years old, you must have
1. successfully completed a certified Basic Hunter Education course OR
2. hunt under the direct immediate supervision of a licensed hunter who has either
• successfully completed a certified Basic Hunter Education course OR
• was born on or BEFORE January 1, 1986.

In addition, Hunter Education certification is required before anyone may legally hunt in the following areas in Alaska: A) the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and B) all army military lands. In Southeast Alaska, on the Mendenhall Wetlands near Juneau, hunters 15 years old or younger must have HE or be accompanied by an adult.

The Basic Hunter Education certificate is valid in any state where hunter education is required to purchase a license. Basic Hunter Education classes are taught by dedicated volunteer instructors who commit valuable time and expertise to providing instruction to over 1,500 Alaskans of all ages each year. The next time you have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience be sure to thank a volunteer.

Hunter Education certification classes are typically a one day or two evening event. The Basic Hunter Education course requires completion of the Basic Hunter Education workbook before attending class. The certification course is competency based and requires that each student demonstrate their ability to safely handle firearms under field conditions, demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in a live-fire exercise, and pass a written exam. (A portion of the course is outside so please dress accordingly.)

In addition to the Basic Hunter Education certification, the Division of Wildlife Conservation offers Alaskan hunters opportunities to become certified bow and muzzleloader hunters. Many draw hunts near urban areas are for archery and muzzleloader hunters only. Hunters may not draw a tag unless they have successfully completed a bow hunting or muzzleloading certification course approved by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Lost Your Card?
If you took a basic hunter education, bow hunter education, or muzzleloader hunter education course in Alaska and have lost your card, you can get a replacement card by sending us a letter. In the letter please include:

1. Your full name at the time you took the course
2. Your date of birth
3. Where in Alaska you took the course.
4. What course(s) you took and need replacement cards for (basic, bow, muzzleloader).
5. A check for $5 (replacement fee) made out to “Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game”
6. Your current mailing address and phone number.

Mail your request to:

Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Hunter Information & Training 333 Raspberry Road Anchorage, AK 99518

Still have questions? Call our Hunter Information and Training office at 907-267-2187.

Upcoming Events
Regional Planning Meetings (For 2008 Scheduling)
All Volunteer Instructors Encouraged to Attend

• Anchorage: Wed, (Dec 5th) 6:00-9:00 pm; Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
• Fairbanks: Sun (Nov 18th) 6:00 pm *Potluck; Hunter Ed Indoor Range
• Kenai Peninsula: Thursday, Nov 29 6:00-9:00 pm; Cook Inlet Aquaculture Center
• Mat-Su: Friday, Dec 7th; 6:00-9:00 pm; Grouse Ridge Shooting Park

• Steering Group Meeting: Anchorage (Jan 25-26, 2008); Rabbit Creek Shooting Park (Hunter Ed Building)