Hunter Education & Age Requirements For Hunting

Resident and non-resident hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1961 must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to purchasing a hunting license. Hunter education courses certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province are accepted. Hunter education is not required to purchase an Apprentice Hunting License or a Three-day Hunting & Fishing license. Hunter education is not required to hunt on one’s own land or land of a parent or guardian (blood or dependent relationship) residing in the same household. Contact your local DNR Law Enforcement Office or (770) 761-3010 for course information or register at gohuntgeorgia.com.

Replacement Cards: Anyone who completed a Georgia hunter education course can obtain a replacement card online at gohuntgeorgia.com or call 800-864-7275 (outside Atlanta) or 770-389-7275 (in Atlanta) Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for information.

Hunters under age 16 are not required to complete a hunter education course; however no one under age 16 may hunt unless under direct adult supervision, i.e. within sight or hearing of a licensed adult (at least 18 years old). It is unlawful for an adult to permit their child or ward (under age 16) to hunt without adult supervision. Exception: Hunters 12–15 years old may hunt unsupervised after successfully completing a hunter education course. Special restrictions may apply: see WMAs and NWRs and other Federal Areas.

Hunters age 16–25 must present a Hunter Education Card when purchasing a season hunting license and must possess the card while hunting.

Hunters over age 25 and born after Jan. 1, 1961 must meet hunter education course requirements but need not present their Hunter Education Card when buying a season hunting license or possess it while hunting.

Apprentice Hunter is any person who has not successfully completed a hunter education course or does not possess a hunter education certificate. Apprentice hunters may purchase an Apprentice Hunting License for the privilege to hunt and fish in Georgia.