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General Info About Hunter Education

Hunter Education CD Patch Information

Tennessee’s Hunter Education program works. Since 1975, when a formal hunter education program was introduced, the number of hunting and firearm related accidents in Tennessee has declined dramatically. We know that Tennessee’s Hunter Education program has reduced hunting accidents and saved lives.

What the Law says…

Tennessee Code Annotated 70-2-108 became law in 1985 and states:

(a) Every person born on or after January 1, 1969, before hunting, shall possess, in addition to all other licenses and permits required, proof of satisfactory completion of an agency approved hunter education course…

If you were born on or after January 1, 1969 you must possess proof of successful completion of a hunter education class before hunting in Tennessee.

Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device.

Who is eligible to take a Hunter Education class?

The course is offered free of charge to anyone interested regardless of age; however, you must be nine (9) years of age or older in order to become a certified hunter education graduate.

Parents are encouraged to go through the course with their child. Parents who participate and who pass the test will receive hunter education certification. Many states require hunter education certification regardless of age. Parents that do not wish to become certified, typically find the class is both informative and enjoyable.

Apprentice Hunting License

In an effort to introduce new hunters to the sport, we have developed a new type of hunting license designed especially for people who may wish to sample the pleasures of Tennessee’s many outdoor opportunities.
The agency’s Apprentice Hunting License will provide a one-time exemption from Tennessee’s Hunter Education requirements for anyone ten years of age or older for a period of one license year.  The license may only be purchased once during the lifetime of the hunter.

Potential hunters who have not completed the state’s usually mandatory Hunter Education course may purchase the type 012 license for $11.  This license allows the holder to hunt in Tennessee for one license year (March 1 to the last day of February) without having to complete the Hunter Education course. 

Hunters purchasing the Apprentice Hunting License must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older who is a hunter education graduate or is exempt from the hunter education requirements (born prior to 1969).  This person must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. 

The Apprentice Hunting License is valid only in Tennessee and will not exempt people hunting outside from that state’s hunter education requirements.  However, out-of-state hunters coming to Tennessee to pursue game may purchase the Apprentice Hunting License one time only.

Bowhunter Education

Bowhunter Education is a voluntary program in Tennessee; however, at least 16 states require bowhunter certification. Studies have shown that bowhunters who have completed the Bowhunter Education program, harvest many more deer than archers who have not?

Class Availability

The availability of classes varies depending on the area of the state and time of the year. Go to our class schedule page to check on class availability near you.

I Need a Duplicate Card

To replace a Hunter Education Card, first contact your TWRA Regional Office during normal business hours. Verify that your Hunter Education number has been updated in the TWRA license system. Then you may go to a TWRA license agent and purchase a Type 500 (Hunter Education Card Replacement), for $7.00.

Hunter Education Instructors