Hunter Safety Certification
Indiana Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Indiana. Indiana requires hunter education for all first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1986. Online + field day is available. A Mentor Hunting License allows first-time hunters to hunt under supervision.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
All first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
8
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Indiana Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Indiana hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
- Official Site
Required
Required - for all first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 - hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
8 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Indiana Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Indiana accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Indiana hunting license.
Indiana accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Indiana hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Indiana Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Indiana Bowhunter Education
Indiana offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Indiana hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Indiana regulations
Ethics
Conservation
First aid
Important Notes
Indiana-Specific Requirements
Indiana Mentor Hunting License (MHL) allows uncertified hunters of any age to hunt under a certified mentor for up to 2 consecutive license years. After that, full certification is required.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) (www.in.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.