Hunter & Trapper Education
First-time hunters should plan to complete hunter education training early in the year because very few classes are available after August. For more information about current classes or if you have questions about training requirements, please call 360-902-8111 or visit the WDFW 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 Washington hunter education course by visiting the WDFW basic hunter education course page.
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, 2027 but are not eligible to apply for special permit hunts. For detailed information on the deferral requirements, please visit the WDFW hunter education deferral program page. Approved applicants must pay the $24 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, please visit the WDFW trapper 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 bowhunter education page.
Become a Hunter Education Instructor!
The success of hunter education and the legacy of hunting in Washington depend on the passion, experience, and professionalism of our dedicated volunteer Hunter Education Instructors. Every year, our instructors conduct hundreds of classes in their local communities and teach thousands of Washingtonians how to be safe, legal, and ethical hunters.
Why Become An Instructor
- Pass along your knowledge to the next generation of hunters
- Generate confidence and excitement in students
- Share in the excitement of new hunters becoming certified
- Instructors are eligible for incentive permit drawings not available to the public. (RCW 77.32.155)
- Get new hunters off to a great start, and equip them to be safe in the field
- Be part of a community of experienced instructors who support and strengthen each other
- Enjoy manufacturers’ discounts on hunting equipment.
How To Become An Instructor
The process of becoming an instructor is straightforward, but requires completion of a few important steps:
- Complete and submit an application and background check authorization
- Complete a short self-paced virtual instructor class
- Attend a Pre-Service Training in the region you’ll be teaching
- Assist with a minimum of at least one complete class under the supervision of certified instructors.
Scan The QR Code To Get Started Today!
