Hunter Safety Certification

Missouri Hunter
Education 2026

Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Missouri. Missouri requires hunter education for all first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1967. Online + field day is available. Missouri is noted for excellent deer and turkey hunting.

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

hours minimum

Course Requirements

Missouri Hunter Education Course Details

Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Missouri hunter education certification process.

Issuing Agency

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) — 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

10 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)

Reciprocity

Does Missouri Accept Out-of-State Certifications?

Reciprocity Accepted
Missouri 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 Missouri hunting license.

Apprentice Program

Missouri 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

Missouri Bowhunter Education

Missouri offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →

Course Curriculum

What Topics Are Covered?

The Missouri hunter education course covers the following subjects:

Firearm safety Wildlife ID Missouri regulations Ethics Conservation First aid

Important Notes

Missouri-Specific Requirements

Missouri Mentored Youth Hunting Program available for youth under 15 to hunt with a licensed adult before completing full certification.

Source: Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) (mdc.mo.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.

Missouri

Hunter Education