Hunter & Trapper Education

First-time hunters are encouraged to complete hunter education training early in the year, as few classes are available after August. For details about current class offerings or to review training requirements, call 360-902-8111 or visit the hunter education page.

Traditional and Hybrid learning

Students have the choice of completing a traditional course or the hybrid course. The traditional course has in-person teaching from a group of hunter education instructors. The hybrid course allows students to complete an online portion of the training that covers hunter education information at their own pace. Once the student has passed the online test, they have to demonstrate safe firearm handling in various hunting situations at a field skills evaluation. Students can enroll in a basic hunter education course through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Deferral Option for Hunter Education

Interested individuals ages 10 and older may apply for a once-in-a-lifetime, one license-year deferral of hunter education training. Individuals receiving a deferral may participate in general hunting seasons through March 31, 2026 but are not eligible to apply for special permit hunts. For detailed information on the deferral requirements, please visit the hunter education deferral program page on the WDFW website. Approved applicants must pay the $24.00 deferral application fee when purchasing their deferral license.

Trapper Education

Prior to purchasing their first Washington state trappers license, prospective trappers must successfully complete the Washington trapper education training or pass the written examination through the home study option. Trapper Education Instructors offer a limited number of classroom courses throughout the year. For more information on trapper education, visit the WDFW trapping education page.

Bowhunter Education

The bowhunter education program is not required to hunt in Washington and will not satisfy the hunter education requirement. This service is offered to Washington hunters who want to bow hunt in states where bowhunter education is required or who want to learn more about bowhunting.For more information, visit the WDFW bowhunting education page.