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Welcome to New York's Hunter Education Events


To sign up for Hunter Education Classes or HuntFishNY Events:

  • Get Started: Click Sign Up in the upper right corner.
    If you already have a DEC sporting license account, please use the email and password you have on file for that account. In doing so it will bring over your customer profile, so you don’t have to enter your details again.
    • If you've already signed up here, select LOGIN to access your account. 

  • To Sign Up for a class or event: Create an account or login to register for any hunter education, bowhunter education, trapper education, waterfowl id, or HuntFishNY events.

  • To Find an event near you: Select 'view upcoming events' for the program you're interested in. You will be able to search by topic or distance from your zip code.

If you would like to purchase a sporting license, please visit: DEC sporting license page.



Overview

HFNY events allow you to see what the outdoor experience and wildlife conservation are all about. 
Event topics can include target shooting, archery, fishing, field dressing, trapping, mentored hunts, seminars, social gatherings and more.

Events are designed for all ability levels, unless otherwise indicated.

Additional Information

Description

HuntFishNY events are offered by NY DEC and a network of partners and instructors who conduct hands-on events, teaching the basics of hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor safety, wildlife, and other outdoor skills.

DEC may facilitate registration and aid in advertising for HFNY events. If not a DEC hosted or co-hosted event, the logistics and implementation of the event are solely the responsibility of the host.
If you have questions about an event, please contact the event host for more information.
Managed & Approved by:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish & Wildlife | Hunter Education

Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications - NYSDEC


Overview

Hunter Education is required before purchasing all hunting licenses, including bowhunting privileges. 

This course covers firearms safety, hunting techniques and responsible, ethical hunting practices.

NOTE: All courses require the completion of homework prior to attending. If you do not complete the homework, you cannot complete the course.

Additional Information

Description

IMPORTANT: MINIMUM AGE FOR COURSE: 11 YEARS
 (Minimum age for purchasing a license is 12 years)

Some students (those under the age of 12, those with civil or criminal firearms restrictions, or those barred from possessing a firearm) may not be allowed to handle and shoot live firearms during a hunter education course. If this includes you, please notify an instructor when you arrive for your course and accommodations will be made.

REQUIREMENT: ALL STUDENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE MUST bring a Permission Slip (PDF) signed by a parent or legal guardian. 
Managed & Approved by:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish & Wildlife | Hunter Education

Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications - NYSDEC


Overview

Bowhunter Education is required to hunt ONLY deer and bear with a bow or crossbow. While not required, the course is recommended for anyone wishing to hunt any game with archery or crossbow. 

This course covers safety techniques and responsible, ethical hunting practices when pursuing game with a bow or crossbow.

NOTE : All courses require the completion of homework prior to attending. If you do not complete the homework, you cannot complete the course.

Additional Information

Description

IMPORTANT: MINIMUM AGE FOR COURSE: 11 YEARS 
(Minimum age to purchase a license is 12 years)
Managed & Approved by:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish & Wildlife | Hunter Education

Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications - NYSDEC


Overview

Trapper Education is required for all new trappers before purchasing a NYS Trapping License. This course covers how to trap responsibly and selectively and how to handle pelts to produce marketable furs. 

NOTE: All courses require the completion of homework prior to attending. If you do not complete the homework, you cannot complete the course.

Additional Information

Description

There is no minimum age to attend this course.
Managed & Approved by:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish & Wildlife | Hunter Education

Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications - NYSDEC


Overview

Waterfowl ID certification is required for access to special hunting areas in New York. While it is not required to hunt waterfowl in all areas in NY, it is recommended. 
This course covers waterfowl identification on the wing, waterfowl hunting laws and regulations, safety and ethics specific to waterfowl hunting. 

NOTE: All courses require the completion of homework prior to attending. If you do not complete the homework, you cannot complete the course.

Additional Information

Description

There is no minimum age to attend this course.
Managed & Approved by:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish & Wildlife | Hunter Education

Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications - NYSDEC