DNR Hunter Education Course Description

By providing hunter education to the public, the Izaak Walton League and the DNR will help ensure the safety of hunters throughout our state; continue to promote the ethics and fair chase, hunter responsibility and landowner relations. The safety, recruitment, and retention of hunters are important in continuing the tradition of hunting in Iowa's GREAT Outdoors!

Hunter education is a mandatory program, for anyone born after January 1, 1972 who wishes to purchase an Iowa hunting license, which is designed to introduce students to several life-long skills that are important to the many different types of outdoor recreational opportunities. You will learn general concepts for each of the following:

Basic Survival and First Aid Skills

Wildlife IdentificationHunting Laws
Water Safety

Basics of Wildlife ManagementFirearm and Archery Safety
Importance of Individual Responsibility

Outdoor EthicsMuch, much more...

A person who is 11 years old or older may enroll in a course, but those who are 11 and successfully complete the course shall be issued a certificate which becomes valid on that person's 12th birthday. Iowa residents under the age of 12 can be issued a deer or turkey license; however, a licensed adult hunter must accompany each youth hunter. If the certificate is lost, a replacement certificate may be obtained from any ELSI vendor during regular business hours for $4.50.

Registration is done on the Iowa DNR website.