Training safe, responsible hunters
Nothing is more important than assuring that 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 landowners’ properties
- obeys the law
- and recognizes the importance of hunting and the role hunters plays 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 firearm 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 available July 1, 2008
Take the written part of your test online and attend a field day to get your certification. Find out more.
Next Generation of Conservation
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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.
