Edited release
07/30/25
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers more than 200 hunter education courses each year, and says now is the time to enroll before hunting seasons arrive.
Hunter education is a mandatory program designed to introduce students to firearms safety and several other skills that are important to the many different types of outdoor recreational activities.
A person who is 11 years old or older may enroll in a course, but those who are 11 and successfully complete the course will be issued a certificate which becomes valid on their 12th birthday.
Students may certify in several ways, such as the traditional classroom course or a hybrid online/field day course. Students 18 years of age and older may certify completely online with no field day requirement.
Hunter education is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972, in order to purchase a hunting license. Iowa recognizes hunter education certificates issued by another state and some foreign nations.
For more information on course options and to register, go to the links below.