Buy A License Renew Your Boat Registration Pay Fines/Restitution

Hunter and Trapper Education in Louisiana

Hunter Education

If you were born on or after September 1, 1969, you must complete a Hunter Education Course approved by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) before hunting, unless you are under direct supervision of a qualified hunter. Hunter Education Certification earned by individuals 10 years of age and over are valid for life.

Who is a ‘qualified hunter’?

  • A licensed Louisiana hunter born before Sept. 1, 1969, or
  • Someone 18 years old and over with a valid, unrestricted Louisiana hunting license

What does ‘direct supervision’ mean?

  • Within audible voice range, and
  • In direct line of sight at all times while hunting

Requirements and Recommendations by Age

Youth requirements and recommendations vary depending on age at the time of course completion:

Under 10:

    • Are welcome to take the course in any format, but will only receive a 1 year certification voucher. Students under 10 year of age will be required to complete the entire course again after turning 10 to earn their lifetime certification.  
    • NOTE: Hunter Education Certification is required for youth under 10 years of age to participate in youth lottery hunts on Federal property.

10 to 15:

  • COURSE REQUIREMENT: Eligible to receive certification but required to take either
    • Full In-Person Course (includes field day), or
    • Online Course and In-Person Field Day
  • HUNTING REQUIREMENT: Youth Ages 10–11, even if certified, must be supervised by a qualified hunter
  • HUNTING RECOMMENDATION: Youth Age 12-15, even if certified, should be supervised by a qualified hunter

16 and Over:

    • May take the online course only and receive full certification — no field day required

Military and Law Enforcement Exemptions

Active or veteran U.S. Armed Forces members and POST-certified law enforcement officers may qualify for a Louisiana-only hunter education exemption.
To apply, complete the following steps:

Louisiana Hunter Planning to Hunt Out-of-State

Planning to hunt outside Louisiana? Louisiana’s certification is recognized in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces but each states age requirement vary. Check the International Hunter Education Association website in advance of your trip to see hunter education requirements.

Out of State Hunter Planning to Hunt in Louisiana

Louisiana accepts Hunter Certifications received in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. If you have not completed your Hunter Education Certification in your state and you are over the age of 16, you are more than welcome to take ours!   

 

Ready to take the Hunter Education course? Here are Your Options:

Full In-Person Course (suitable for all ages)

  • Includes classroom component and field day.
  • 10 hour course. Classes vary from 1, 2 and 3 day events
  • Great for hands-on learners and recommended for students ages 10-15
  • If registering for this course format, the student must complete the entire course (classroom and field day components) to receive certification
  • Free of charge
  • To register, visit Louisiana Outdoors Event Registration site or call a Wildlife Field Office.

Online Course 

If ages 10-15, the In-Person Field Day is required after completing the online course

  • When taking a field day only course, the online course must be completed prior to attending. Students must bring their online course completion voucher in order to participate.
  • 5 hour course completed in one day.
  • Allows you to take the online component at your own pace
  • When registering for this format, look for the event labeled ‘field day’. Students will not be accepted for only the field day component of the full in-person course.
  • Free of charge
  • To register, visit Louisiana Outdoors Event Registration Site or call a Wildlife Field.

Optional Education Courses Offered by LDWF

LDWF offers the following optional courses:   

Bow Hunter Education

Recommended for all bow hunters, but not required in Louisiana. This course is required to bow hunt in many other states, so check the requirements if you plan to hunt out of state.

LDWF offers two options to complete this course:

Beginner Squirrel Hunt

This event is designed to introduce novice hunters to small game hunting on Dewey Wills WMA. Participants will be paired with LDWF staff to learn safe, ethical, and effective hunting practices. This two-day, overnight event combines classroom learning, firearm safety, field experience, and opportunities to hunt with an instructor on Dewey Wills WMA.

A novice hunter is an individual with limited or no previous experience in hunting, who is still learning essential skills such as identifying game, using firearms safely, navigating terrain, and understanding hunting regulations and ethics.

To qualify for this workshop, applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the date of the hunt and must be hunter education certified or exempt from hunter education.  A maximum of 8 applicants will be accepted for this hunt.

Interested persons can learn more and apply for the Introductory Squirrel Hunting Workshop here.

Firearm Fundamentals

New to firearms? The International Hunter Education Association offers free courses that cover the basics of:

  • Handguns
  • Shotguns
  • Rifles

Perfect for new hunters or recreational shooters.

Trapper Education

Trapper education is recommended—but not required—in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in partnership with the Louisiana Trappers and Alligator Hunters Association, offers free hands-on workshops covering trap types, history, setup, and safe handling. Before attending a workshop, participants are encouraged to complete the free online Louisiana Level 1 Trapping Course through the Conservation Learning Campus. Visit the Louisiana Fur Advisory Council for workshop details.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is taught in a full Hunter Education course?

Hunter Education helps prevent accidents and promotes ethical hunting. The courses cover:

  • Firearm and hunting safety
  • Wildlife identification and management
  • Outdoor survival skills
  • Ethics and conservation

The course covers 10 hours of course material. Classes vary from 1, 2 and 3 day events.

What should I expect from the in-person field day?

  • 5-hour in-person course
  • Includes written test and live-fire exercise
  • online course voucher required

Who teaches the in-person courses?

  • LDWF staff or certified Hunter Education Instructor Volunteers. All volunteer instructors receive background checks and instructor training.

Want to be a volunteer Hunter Education Instructor?

What if the student needs accessibility accommodations?

  • Instructors can accommodate learning needs. After signing up for the course, reach out to the instructor listed with your request. Please request accommodations 2 weeks prior to the course is possible.

When will I get my certification after taking the in person course?

  • A temporary certificate is provided immediately upon successful completion of the course
  • Permanent card emailed within two weeks of course completion, and also available through your LDWF account

Can I add my hunter education certification to my driver’s license?

YES! When renewing your Louisiana driver’s license, you can add your Hunter Education endorsement for free—no need to carry a separate card.

 I lost my Hunter Education Certification Card, how do I get a new one?