Is hunting safe?
Hunting is safe and getting safer. Hunting accidents have decreased more than 80 percent since hunter education began in Vermont in 1958. In 2012, Vermont fielded 75,000 hunters but recorded no hunting accidents!
Is there an age requirement?
There is a minimum age requirement of 12 years for online-only hunter education course, bowhunter education course and trapper education correspondence course. For in-person classes there is no age limit, but students under 16 must have a parent's signature to enroll. All exams are written at a sixth-grade reading level.
Is my child ready for hunter education?
Most course materials are written at the sixth-grade level. To gauge your child's ability to comprehend the information, check out this free, Online Study Guide.
Who needs to take the course?
All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must successfully complete the course before getting a license of that type. Anyone who wishes to hunt with a bow and arrow must complete both the hunter education AND bowhunter education class or complete a combo class.
How much does it cost?
It's free. All materials are provided by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and the U.S. Wildlife Restoration, Division of Federal Aid, with funds derived from a tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. All our instructors volunteer their time to teach courses.
When are courses available?
Courses are taught throughout the year, with the peak seasons in late summer through early October. Not many courses are available after October, because hunting season is beginning.
Can I use the course to get a license in another state?
All states, Canadian provinces and many other countries recognize Vermont's certification.
Where can I get a basic firearm, bowhunter, or trapper workbook and manual?
Email HunterEducation@vermont.gov or call 802-828-1193 to receive through the mail. You can also pick up the materials by visiting Vermont Fish & Wildlife in the Dewey Building at National Life in Montpelier.
Should I wear orange?
Effectiveness of Blaze Orange: This short hunter safety video provides tips about how wearing the right amount and kind of blaze orange can keep you safe in the field.