Training safe, responsible hunters
Nothing is more important than ensuring hunters return home safely from their hunting trips. Achieving that goal is one of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s top priorities. Since 1957, the Conservation Department has provided hunter education classes to enable state residents to become safe, responsible hunters. The training has helped reduce Missouri’s hunting accident rate by 70 percent.
The goal of hunter education training
Hunter education provides a foundation in hunting safety and ethics that helps hunters focus on more than just being successful in the pursuit of game. The course will enable you to become a safe and ethical hunter who:
- handles firearms safely
- respects landowners and the their properties
- obeys the law
- and recognizes the importance of hunting and the role hunters play in wildlife management.
The hunter education class
You will receive 10 hours of classroom training, usually taught in two or three sessions. Topics covered include:
- how firearms operate
- safe hunting practices
- hunting traditions and ethics
- hunter responsibilities.
At the end of the class you will take a written examination. You need a score of 80 percent to pass the course. Most students pass the test on their first attempt.
On-line hunter education now available
Take the written part of your test online and attend a field day to get your certification.
Prevent Treestand Falls–Learn How Online!
Across the nation, the number of treestand-related falls grows every year. Injuries range from twisted ankles to paralysis and, all too often, death. To help you master treestand safety, we have linked up with HunterExam.com, HE Tools™ and TMA (The Treestand Manufacturers Association) to provide you with a free Treestand Safety Course online. This course is based on TMA's latest treestand safety standards and guidelines, which show that practices considered safe ten years ago simply won't protect today's hunters. The course is fully interactive, narrated and takes just 15 minutes to complete. Best of all, the course is free to anyone with an Internet connection! Just click on this link and get started.
Next Generation of Conservation
Talk About Conservation Education
Part of a healthy childhood is getting outdoors and exploring nature. Learn how you can help kids get into nature at home, schools and nature centers. Share your comments too.
Who must take hunter ed?
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1967, must pass the course to purchase a firearms hunting permit. You must be at least 11-years-old to take the course.
- Anyone who goes afield to assist a youth who hunts with a youth permit.
MDC recommends that all hunters take hunter education. To learn more about the program contact the outdoor skills specialist in your area.
