STMTC periodically offers Texas Parks & Wildlife Department certified hunter education classes at various facilities.
Hunting is safe and getting safer! Hunter education covers the skills, regulations and responsibilities of hunting, wildlife conservation and the outdoors. Texas hunter certification lasts a lifetime and is recognized by all states and provinces requiring hunter education.
Hunter Education provides instruction in Texas hunting regulations, wildlife management and identification, conservation, ethics, firearm and hunting safety and responsibility, and outdoor skills. This course is particularly suited to novice or young hunters. All materials are provided and subjects are covered in depth to enable the student to successfully complete the Hunter Education certification process.
The traditional hunter education course averages 14 hours of instruction over two or more days. The cost is $15. Courses are offered across the state throughout the year and are taught by certified volunteer instructors. You need to make a reservation with the instructor to attend a course. Check with the instructor for directions and any special instructions prior to going to class.
HUNTER EDUCATION INFORMATION
The schedule of course offerings throughout the State of Texas:
Who is required to take Texas Hunter Education? Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Minimum age of certification is 9 years of age.
If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:
* under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied*. * age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete a hunter education course, or you must be accompanied*. * age 17 and over, you must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral” and you must be accompanied*.
Please note that some federally controlled areas require all hunters using that site to have hunter education certification. In Texas, this includes Corps of Engineers property and most military reservations. Be sure to check with the specific area prior to going hunting.
Hunter Education Deferral (cost: $10) Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to one year. A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current license year. A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral. Take the course by August 31 of the current license year and receive a $5 discount. The one-time Hunter Education Deferral is available at license vendors and went into effect September 1, 2004.
* Accompanied means: By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.
Online Study plus One-day Field Course This course is primarily for the adult hunter who has been shooting and hunting for a number of years. Take advantage of your years of experience and knowledge to enable you to successfully complete the online homework assignment and field course activities. There are several ways to take part of your Hunter Education course online. All online study options require you to complete a one-day field course ($15) to complete your certification.
To gain entry into the One-day Field Course, you will be required to bring your quiz results from the TPWD or IHEA course, the Field Day Qualifier Exam Certificate and final exam from Today’s Hunter, or the Field Day Voucher from HunterExam.com. No matter which option you choose, you must still attend the One-day Field Course testing ($15) to receive your final certification.
One-day Field Course Taken after completing an online course, the required One-Day Field Course includes a skills trail, live firing exercise, ethics presentation, review and final exam. The field course is typically 4 to 6 hours. You must pre-register for this course with the instructor. Schedule of Field Courses
Bowhunter Education Bowhunting is a challenginig sport! This type of hunting is done at a much closer range and requires a high degree of stealth, perserverance, patience and effort. Bowhunters must become adept at scouting, tracking and recovering game. Bowhunters must master new archery techniques and learn the anatomy and behavior of the game. Before attempting to use archery equipment as a hunting tool, each bowhunter should become a proficient archer. This requires dedication, practice and good distance-judging ability.
Texas bowhunters have the opportunity for additional training through a special course offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through the International Bowhunting Education Program and the National Bowhunting Education Foundation. Please remember that bowhunter education certification does not substitute for Texas Hunter Education Certification.
Become a Hunter Education Instructor The Hunter Education Program's goals are to reduce hunting related accidents and violations; promote safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunting; and enhance hunting traditions and values. We now have more than 2,900 instructors, who include game wardens, volunteers and professional educators. These volunteer instructors certify an average of 30,000 students per year. Steps to instructor certification