Hunter Education Course and Age Requirements for Hunting

Residents and non-residents born on or after January 1, 1961 must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to purchasing a season hunting license.  However,  a hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a three (3) day Combo Hunting/Fishing License.  Hunter education courses certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province are accepted.  Hunter Education is not required to hunt on one's own land or land of a parent or guardian. Course options include a FREE classroom course [1], a FREE CD-ROM course or three online courses [2] (with varying fees).  Students may request a copy of the FREE CD-ROM from any Game Management or Law Enforcement office [3].

Replacement Certificates

Anyone who completed a Georgia hunter education course and needs a replacement Hunter Education Certificate can click here [4] and print one for FREE.

Hunters Under Age 12

Hunters under age 12 are not required to complete a hunter education course.  However, no one under age 12 may hunt unless under direct supervision, i.e. within sight or hearing of licensed adult (at least 18 years old) hunter.  It is unlawful for an adult to permit their child or ward under age 12 to hunt unsupervised.  Special restrictions apply to Wildlife Management Areas [5] (WMA's) & National Wildlife Refuges [6] (NWR's).

Hunters Age 12 - 15

Must complete a hunter education course prior to hunting unless under direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter.  It is unlawful for an adult to permit their child or ward (12-15) to hunt without adult supervision unless the child possesses a hunter education certificate while hunting.  See other special rules for WMA's [7].

Hunters Age 16 - 25

Must present a hunter education certificate when purchasing a season hunting license and must possess the certificate while hunting.

Hunters Over Age 25

Hunters over age 25 and born after January 1, 1961 must meet hunter education course requirements but need not present their hunter education certificate when buying a season hunting license or possess it while hunting.