Hunter Safety Certification
Virginia Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Virginia. Virginia requires hunter education for all first-time hunters. An online + field day option is available. The state has an apprentice license program allowing hunting under supervision before certification.
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
Virginia Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Virginia hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
- 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 Virginia Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Virginia 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 Virginia hunting license.
Virginia 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 Virginia hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Virginia 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
Virginia Bowhunter Education
Virginia 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 Virginia hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Virginia regulations
Ethics
Conservation
First aid
Wilderness survival
Important Notes
Virginia-Specific Requirements
Virginia apprentice hunting license (Mentored Youth Hunting License) has no day limit — a youth hunter can hunt any number of days under a licensed adult mentor before completing certification. Mentor must possess valid Virginia hunting license and be at least 21 years old.
Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) (dwr.virginia.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.