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HunterFishing
Education
Regulations
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Hunter Education in Colorado and History
Hunter Education Program
i
Hunter Education is required in Colorado for all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1949. Hunter education had its beginnings in the
1950’s with voluntary classes taught by sportsman’s clubs and the NRA. In the 1950’s and ‘60’s, an average of 40 non-fatal and 10
fatal hunting incidents were reported annually in the state. This high incident rate was the driving force behind legislation in 1970
that established mandatory hunter safety training in the state.
Hunter Education is much more than just hunter safety. The course covers hunter responsibility, outdoor preparedness and survival,
basic muzzleloader and bow hunting information, wildlife management and wildlife identification, hunting regulations and hunting
opportunities in Colorado. It provides a solid foundation for hunters of all ages.
The success of Hunter Education can be seen in the decrease of hunting incidents since the law was enacted. Colorado currently
averages about one fatal incident a year and fewer than 10 non-fatal incidents. Colorado hunters enjoy millions of recreation days
each year, and as shown by the low hunting incident rate, hunting is one of the safest forms of outdoor recreation.
Hunter Education classes are not just for hunters. The courses offer something for everyone interested in the outdoors. Many take a
hunter education class to learn more about hunting or basic firearms safety even though they do not intend to hunt. Parents and
friends may also attend a class with a student to provide support or to learn more about hunting and wildlife management.
Class Options
Hunter Education classes are available in several formats to meet student needs and individual and family schedules. With the
options available, it’s easy to find a class. Over 750 classes of all types are offered annually, reaching nearly 20,000 students.
Internet-Based Hunter Education Classes
• Students complete part of the class online at their own pace using an approved online hunter education course.
• Fits busy schedules better; after signing up for a conclusion session that fits schedule, complete online work.
• 6 hours of credit for online work followed by a 4 hour instructor-lead conclusion class, live fire exercise and exam.
• Conclusion class session covers firearms safety and Colorado-specific laws and information.
• Many parents like the opportunity to work with their children and mentor them during the online work.
Classroom or Traditional Hunter Education Classes
• Classroom portion is at least 10 hours in length plus a live fire exercise and exam.
• Classes have from two to four sessions, many on weekends, and allow time for students to review the material.
• Taught by CPW certified Volunteer Hunter Education Instructors.
• The most popular class option.
Compressed or “Crash” Course
• A special class offered just before the regular big game rifle seasons to allow completion of a class in time to hunt.
• 8 hours of instruction, live fire exercise and exam.
• Only valid for the current year.
How to Find a Class
Hunter Education classes are offered year round in Colorado and are taught by a dedicated group of certified volunteer instructors.
To find a hunter education class, go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website and look under “Hunting” and then “Hunter
Education”.
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Presentation, July 12, 2013
Mark Cousins, Hunter Education Coordinator
Hunter Education Requirements and Delivery Method Comparison
Hunter Education requirements and delivery methods vary from state to state. While states try to meet the same
standards recommended by the International Hunter Education Association, there are differences in how the classes
are delivered, length of classes, field day or conclusion class and live fire components. Some states are modifying
delivery methods to meet the needs and desires of their customers. Internet based class use is increasing. Indiana,
for example, offers an Internet-Only option for their residents. The online course has a timer feature that requires
students to spend 10 hours on the material. If students successfully complete the final exam, they are issued a hunter
education certificate. Less than 20 percent of the students opt for the internet-only course in Indiana.
The following table shows hunter education requirements in Colorado and several other states for comparison.
State
CO
IN
SC
Hunter Ed
Age or DOB
requirement
1/1/1949
12/31/1986
6/30/1979
Class
length traditional
10 hours
minimum
10 hours
minimum
8 hours
7/1/1957
KS
Deferral
option*
NM
under18
years old
10 hour
minimum
12 hour
minimum,
16 hours
average
Internet
Option
Hours
credited
Yes
6 hours
credit
10 hours
timed
12yr old
& up
Yes, no
length
given
Yes
4 hours
credit
Field Day/
Conclusion
class
Field day/
conclusion
class
length
Internet
only
option?
Instructor
lead
conclusion
class
4 hours
min
No
No
N/A
Yes
%
traditional
# of
students
per year
Live
Fire
Req’d
% internet
75%
20,000
Yes
16,000 18,000
optional
11,900
No
10,000
Yes for
internet
3,600
optional
5,500
optional
43,600
Yes for
internet
25%
82%
18%
No,
Test
Session
only
70%
In person
written
exam
No
Yes
Field Day
6 hours
No
Yes
Field Day
6 hours
17%
75%
25%
73%
Yes
No
27%
98%
WY
1/1/1966
15 hours
average
9/2/1971
TX
10 hours
Deferral
option*
Yes
Yes
6 hours
credit
Yes
Field Day
4 hours
No
2%
Yes
75%
4 hours
Field Day
No
25%
Deferral Option: One-time deferral that allows a person that would be required to have hunter education to hunt
without taking a hunter education class as long as they are accompanied by a hunter that meets the requirements.
Some states charge for this option.
Field Day and Conclusion Class: Field days are instructor lead skills sessions that students must attend to
complete the hunter education class. Conclusion classes are similar but are often taught in classroom settings and
are shorter in length.