Tennessee Hunter Education Information

Legal Hunter Education Requirements

Tennessee’s Hunter Education program works. Since 1975, when a formal hunter education program was introduced, the number of hunting and firearm-related accidents in Tennessee has declined dramatically. We know that Tennessee’s Hunter Education program has reduced hunting accidents and saved lives.

Tennessee Code Annotated 70-2-108 became law in 1985 and states:

(a) Every person born on or after January 1, 1969, before hunting, shall possess, in addition to all other licenses and permits required, proof of satisfactory completion of an agency-approved hunter education course.

Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Many states require hunter education certification regardless of age. Parents that do not wish to become certified, typically find the class is both informative and enjoyable. 

Although we recommend all hunters take a hunter education course, landowners and their children hunting on their parent’s land under the resident farmland owner exemption are also exempt from Hunter Education Certification requirements and blaze orange requirements.

More information on this can be found on our License page, https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/license-sales.html#general, or on page 5 of the current hunting guide, https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/twra/documents/guide/TN-Hunting-Guide-22-23.pdf.

Online Hunter Education Options

In addition to the traditional twelve-hour hunter education course, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is now providing an option to people age 9 and over to complete hunter education completely online with no field day requirement. 

If you have taken the online course after September 1, 2019, and then could not find a field day to attend, you may log in to the course, print out a certificate and you will be considered Hunter Education Certified.

Step 1: Complete one of the following online classes:

Step 2:  Print your Tennessee Hunter Safety Education Certificate after successfully completing the online course.

Step 3: Go, Hunting! 

TWRA Apprentice Hunting License (Type 012)

In an effort to introduce new hunters to the sport, we have developed a new type of hunting license designed especially for people who may wish to sample the pleasures of Tennessee’s many hunting opportunities.

The Agency’s Apprentice License (Type 012) will provide an exemption from Tennessee’s Hunter Education requirements for anyone ten years of age or older for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This license may be purchased for up to three years consecutively.

This license is available to all hunters 10 years of age or older who have not completed the mandatory hunter education course. It exempts the hunter from the mandatory hunter education law for one year from the date of purchase, but may only be purchased for up to three consecutive years during the lifetime of the hunter.

Hunters who possess this license must be accompanied by an adult, 21 years of age or older, who must meet the hunter education requirements and be able to take immediate control of the hunting device.

The Apprentice License is valid only in Tennessee and will not exempt people hunting outside Tennessee from that state’s Hunter Education requirements.  Purchase an Apprentice Hunting License (Type 012) Online Today.

Need a Duplicate Card?

To replace a Hunter Education Card, first, contact your TWRA Regional Office during normal business hours. Verify that your Hunter Education number has been updated in the TWRA license system. Then you may go to a TWRA license agent and purchase a Type 500 (Hunter Education Card Replacement). You may also purchase a replacement card online at the Online License Center.

All other hunting and fishing licenses including lifetime licenses may be replaced at no cost at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com any time 24/7/365. You can also replace your license with any license agent. Please verify your address at the time of purchase. 

Tennessee Hunter Education FAQs

  • How much does it cost to take a Traditional Hunter Education class?
    •    Nothing, in Tennessee the course is free.
  • Will other states accept Tennessee’s Hunter Education certification?
    • Yes, Hunter Education certification from Tennessee is accepted in all 50 states.
  • Do I need to bring a gun to the Traditional Hunter Education class?
    • No, everything will be provided by the instructor. Outside firearms and ammunition are strictly forbidden and will not be allowed inside the classroom.