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.com) who provides this online course charges $29.95 to take the course. After completing the course by passing and paying the course fee, you may instantly print out your South Carolina Temporary Hunter Education Certificate, which is valid for 30 days. You should receive your permanent certificate by mail in 2-3 weeks.
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—learn more on the South Carolina DNR hunter education course page.
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
The preferred Boater Education method is through a free six (6) hour instructor-led classroom course. Classes are generally offered in a one day format. All classes end with a test to pass the course.
2. On the internet
The third party vendor (Boat-Ed.com) who provides this online course charges $39.95 to take the course. View or purchase the course, including the test, online through Boat-Ed or access it from the South Carolina DNR boating education page.
For more information on all boating courses, call SCDNR at 1-800-277-4301 or visit the South Carolina DNR boating education page.
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
The bowhunter education program provides bowhunters with the fundamentals of safe bowhunting, an appreciation and respect for the environment in which they hunt, and a desire to maintain the highest standards of the sport. Several times a year, SCDNR and Bowhunters of South Carolina conduct bowhunter education classes. To register for a bowhunter education course, visit the South Carolina DNR hunter education homepage or call 1-800-277-4301.
SCDNR also offers an online version of the course that is approved by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation. Access this course on the South Carolina bowhunter education course page.
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. Access applications by visiting the South Carolina DNR Take One Make One program page. If you would like more information you can check us out on Facebook at SCDNR Take One Make One or call us at 1-800-277-4301.
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! Learn more about Youth Bass Fishing Clubs on the South Carolina DNR aquatic education page, call 803-737-8483 or email.
Archery in the Schools Program
The SC National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is designed to reach all students in grades 4th-12th whether rural, urban, and regardless of their physical abilities. SC NASP is strictly target archery for schools (public, private, home) which must be taught in school during the day as part of the school curriculum. Core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. SC NASP offers regional and state archery tournaments that give an opportunity for scholarships, ranging from elementary to high school. In 2025, we gave away $52,000 in scholarships to students involved in the NASP program from elementary to high school. You can learn more about the SC Archery in the Schools program by contacting the SC NASP coordinator, SSgt. Gabriel Gilmore.
For more information about archery, visit the South Carolina DNR archery education page or follow SC Archery in the Schools on Facebook.
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, call 1-800-277-4301, email Sgt. Scott Stephens, or visit the South Carolina DNR SCTS program page.
Aquatic Education
Aquatic Education programs are designed to teach about fish, aquatic ecosystems, and the sport of fishing. Avid anglers can become Certified SCDNR Fishing Instructors and share the love of fishing by leading Fishing Clinics. For more information on freshwater fishing programs, call 803-737-8483 or visit the South Carolina DNR aquatic education page. For saltwater fishing programs, email, or explore resources on the South Carolina saltwater fishing website.
