MDC Hunter education programs

The calendar may still say summer, but many people are starting to prepare for this fall’s hunting seasons. If taking hunter education is one of the things you need to do to enjoy firearms hunting opportunities this year, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has several options available. Individuals born after January 1st, 1967 hunting in Missouri during a firearms season or acting as an adult mentor to another hunter, must have hunter education certification unless exempt. MDC offers two hunter education options; an all-online format and a blended format. An all-online format is an option that may be completed by Missouri residents age 16 and older. It consists of an online course and requires a fee paid to the online course provider. The all-online option requires the passing of a final exam but has no skills portion. The blended format is an option for students of all ages and has two parts. The knowledge portion provides information to participants on all aspects of hunter education and can be taken online, through a free self-study guide, or in a classroom setting. Participants must also complete a four-hour skills session that includes a multiple-choice final exam. The skills portion is a hands-on demonstration of skills learned by participants. Participants must complete and pass both portions to earn certification. To register for one of these skills sessions or to learn more about Missouri’s hunter education options and requirements, visit mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation.