SCDNR Education & Outreach Programs
Hunter Education
- All residents and nonresidents born after June 30, 1979, must complete a hunter education course approved by SCDNR before a hunting license can be obtained. SCDNR accepts hunter education certifications issued by other states in the United States and Canadian provinces. If you have a certification from another state, your certification meets the hunter education requirement in SC. If you have a question about your certification, please contact the Hunter Education Office at 1-800-277-4301. The hunter education certificate is not a hunting license.
- SCDNR offers two (2) options to take the Hunter Education Course.
1. In a classroom
The preferred Hunter Education method is through a free eight (8) hour instructor-led classroom. Classes maybe offered in a one day class or split over two nights. Students learn about hunting ethics, firearms safety, and the principles of conservation and wildlife management. All classes end with a test to pass the course.
2. On the Internet
The third party vendor (
Hunter-Ed offers daily (including weekend) live customer service via email or telephone with a toll-free number. Today’s Hunter online course is the only approved internet course for South Carolina.
Boater Education
- Boaters born after July 1, 2007 are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating a personal watercraft (jet ski) or a boat powered by a 10 h.p. motor or larger. There are exemptions for age and boating certifications. See 50-21-95 for a complete list of exemptions.
South Carolina boaters can take a boating safety and education course two ways.
1. In a classroom
Share the learning experience with other boaters and a qualified instructor.
2. On the internet
The complete course, including the test, can be viewed or purchased online at
For more information on all boating courses, call SCDNR at 1-800-277-4301 or visit
- If you are under age 21 and plan to go boating in another state, check that state’s operator requirements. The SC Basic Boating Course is approved and recognized by all states requiring courses. The boater education certificate is not a boating license.
Bowhunting Education

SCDNR also offers an online version of the course that is approved by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation. This course can be found at
Trapper Education
The Trapper Education course includes discussions on furbearer biology, history of the fur trade, wildlife management principles, fur harvest regulations and ethical conduct. Basic hands-on trapping techniques will also be presented. Qualified instructors with the SC Trappers Association will discuss and demonstrate responsible trapping techniques.
For information, contact the Furbearer project at 803-734-3609.
Take One Make OneTM

The Take One Make One program is an outdoor education and mentoring program for first time youth hunters who have never had the opportunity to hunt before. We take youth on that first hunt and teach them values that last a lifetime. Youth ages 10-17, experience that first hunt in a safe and ethical manner with an SCDNR mentor. Youth have the opportunity to participate in hunts, conservation camps, hunting clinics, shooting sports activities and other TOMO events until they graduate the program. Youth must first complete the SC Hunter Education Safety course as a part of the required application process. There are no registration costs to join. Applications are available by visiting our website at
Youth Bass Fishing Club
Calling all middle and high schools! SCDNR, The Bass Federation, and B.A.S.S. have teamed up to help bring youth bass fishing clubs to schools around the state. Students can establish school bass fishing clubs to compete for prizes, scholarships and more on a club, state and national level. Get outdoors, relax, have fun and make friends by fishing for your school! To learn more about the Youth Bass Fishing Clubs, visit
Archery in the Schools Program

You can learn more about the SC Archery in the Schools program by contacting the SC NASP coordinator, Sgt Charlotte Mayhugh Mckee, at 1-800-277-4301 or e-mailing her at [email protected].
For more information about archery,
go to
SC Scholastic Clay Target Sports
SCDNR Scholastic Clay Target Sports is a team-based youth development program that uses the shotgun sports of trap, skeet, and sporting clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-confidence and other life values. For more information on this program, please call 1-800-277-4301 or email Sgt Scott Stephens at [email protected] or
Aquatic Education
