ALERT: The DNR has modified firearms safety certification requirements on an interim basis as a result of COVID-19. Students of all ages may take their classroom training online. Students age 14 and older may also complete a virtual field day instead of the traditional in-person field day by signing up for and completing the online hunter safety course. Students ages 12 and 13 who want to hunt this fall but are unable to complete their in-person field day are encouraged to use the apprentice hunter validation. Please note the one-year expiration date for online hunter safety course vouchers (which are required for students to attend a field day) has been extended.
Requirements: All persons born after December 31, 1979 are required to possess a firearms safety/hunter education certificate in order to purchase a hunting license to hunt in Minnesota.
Safety certification classes
Youth firearms safety/hunter education »
Adult hunter education »
Advanced hunter »
Bow hunter »
Current calendar of safety training classes
Purchase a duplicate firearms safety certificate online or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold
Become a safety training instructor
Become a DNR Certified Volunteer Safety Instructor, the process begins online.
Safety training instructor information »
Safety-related outdoor education
Apprentice hunter validation »
Becoming an outdoors woman (BOW) »
Tree stand safety »
Trapper education »