Hunter Education Requirements to Purchase a Hunting License
LIFETIME LICENSES
Hunter education certification is not required to purchase a lifetime hunting or sportsman
license. However, to hunt with a lifetime license the holder must comply with at least one of
these requirements:
 Complete an approved hunter education course and hold certification card.
 Be accompanied by properly licensed adult who is within sight and hearing distance.
HUNTING HERITAGE APPRENTICE PERMITS
Anyone 16 and older may hunt without hunter education certification when in possession of a
Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit, proper hunting license and any other required permits, so
long as accompanied by a licensed adult within sight and hearing distance.
 For more information on the Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit, refer to the
document on the Agent Website under the License section entitled: “Hunting
Heritage Apprentice Permit”.
YOUNGER THAN 16
Needs neither a hunting license nor hunter education certification, if accompanied by a properly
licensed adult.
May hunt without an accompanying adult or hunting license, with completion of hunter
education course (certification card must be carried while hunting).
PRIOR LICENSE HOLDERS
Anyone who has held a North Carolina hunting license issued prior to July 1, 2013 is exempt
from hunter education certification.
HUNTER EDUCATION FROM OTHER STATES, TERRITORIES and ONLINE
Certification from any course, including online instruction, which is accredited by the
International Hunter Education Association, is acceptable for obtaining a North Carolina license.
NORTH CAROLINA HUNTER EDUCATION
Click Here for information on North Carolina Hunter Education Opportunities.
Click Here to replace your hunter education card.
Adult is classified here as anyone 18 and older.
Sight and hearing distance may not be enhanced by electronic devices.
It is an individual hunter’s responsibility to observe all regulations and local restrictions, as stated in
the current Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.