The Course|Class Schedule|CD Class|Hunter Ed Instructors|FAQ's

Course Description

The basic Hunter Education Course provides firearms safety training and introduces students to their responsibilities in the fields of hunter ethics and wildlife management. The main objective of the Hunter Education Program is to reduce the potential for hunting accidents and ultimately reduce the number of hunting injuries. The course is taught according to standards established by the International Hunter Education Association. By meeting these standards the Tennessee Hunter Education program is recognized by all states, Canada and Mexico.

The basic course is free of charge and consists of a minimum of ten (10) hours of classroom participation. Most classes generally last 12-16 hours. Students must successfully pass a written test consisting of 100 multiple choice questions. All students are required to participate in a live fire exercise. STUDENTS MUST ATTEND ALL CLASSES. Students need to bring their Social Security Number and a #2 pencil to the class.

Course Content

• Hunter ethics
• Hunter responsibility toward wildlife, the environment, landowners and the general public
• Archery and the history of modern day bowhunting
• Tree stand safety
• History of firearms
• Blackpowder and muzzleloading firearms
• Knowledge of modern firearms and ammunition
• Proper gun handling and storage
• Marksmanship fundamentals
• Hunt preparation: specific laws and various equipment
• Principles of wildlife management and wildlife identification
• Survival
• Hypothermia
• First aid

CD/Online Course

TWRA offers a CD/Online home study course to students whose schedule or remote location makes it difficult for them to attend a regular class. The CD/Online course consists of a home-study program that entails a series of chapter tests culminating in a final test. After completion of the final test and in order to finalize the CD/Online course, students must bring the final printout to an established field day. It is critical that students first locate and sign up for a field day prior to completing the CD/Online course. To locate a field day click here; or contact your TWRA regional office. Call your TWRA regional office to obtain a CD.

The one-day field session consists of students working with instructors to complete a comprehensive lecture session, written test and mandatory live-fire session (a field day generally takes 4 hours to complete). Field days are conducted at centralized teaching locations throughout the state.