In this quick guide, we will show you how to complete your Hunter Education Course for Georgia online.
First, Who Needs Hunter Education?
Georgia law is clear: due to state regulations, everyone born after January 1, 1961, must have completed a Hunter Education Course with a training certificate from the department of natural resources before buying a hunting license.
Summary of Guide
Complete the online-only, IHEA approved and GA-accepted hunter safety education course (Adults 17 and older only). No in-person field day required for adults.
Print or save your temporary certificate for immediate use. Your state-issued hunter education certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days and is valid for life and for use in Georgia, as well as all other 49 US States, Mexico, and Canada.
That's it! You can now go buy your hunting license(s) and hunt legally for life.
We break down the guide into more detail below, but if you're short on time and ready to get started, head over to our online Hunter Education Course and complete it today!
An Overview of the Hunter Education Course for GA Hunters
Our hunter safety course is comprehensive and utilizes various online resources:
- Online-only, no in-person course required.
- All video-based, so there's no requirement to read anything. It includes closed captions, and you can search the video by keyword.
- Self-paced, meaning you can come and go as needed. Your progress is automatically saved.
- 3 hours long, covering essential hunter safety education topics, including archery, making it one of the fastest ways to complete your requirements.
- You can access the course from your phone, computer, or tablet, utilizing these resources to switch between them if you like.
- Unlimited exam attempts.
- Valid in all 50 US States as well as Mexico and Canada.
- We offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
What to Expect in Your Hunter Safety Course
Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our interactive course. We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) for use in Georgia for GA residents and non-residents alike.
Signing up for your Georgia Hunter Education Course
Sign up for the course, pay, & provide your information for your hunter education certificate. Make sure it matches your driver's license or state ID, if you have one.
Start Your Hunter Education Course Online
This is an overview of our course landing page, showing the 5 units you must complete to take the final exam:
Here is an example of a unit section. You have the choice to watch the video or read the material for each section:
Here is an example of the video content found throughout our course for each section found within the 5 units:
The Hunter Ed Final Exam
The final exam is 60 multiple-choice questions, and your scores are provided immediately.
To pass, you need a score of 80% or higher. If you’re nervous about the exam, remember:
Every answer is covered during the course.
Our course allows unlimited retake attempts if you fail the first time.
Here are a few example questions you might encounter:
- What is the safest direction to point a firearm?
- Which of the following is an ethical hunting or trapping practice?
- What should you do first if you become lost in the woods?
Review the provided study materials and quiz yourself at home to reinforce firearms safety. Repetition and real-world application (even dry-firing a toy gun or role-playing scenarios) help solidify learning.
Getting your Hunter Education Certification
After completing the course and passing the final exam, residents will receive their Hunter Education Certificate. This is your ticket to purchasing your first Georgia hunting license!
Once you have completed the course, you can enter your customer ID to see your exam pass rate and temporary certificate here:
You can click the certificate page to see, save & print your temporary certificate:
You will receive a final certificate of completion upon completing our course and passing the final exam. We encourage users to print this certificate as it will act as your temporary Hunter Education Certificate until your permanent certificate is ready for download from the State, approximately 7-10 business days following the completion of your course.
Receiving your state-issued hunter education card
Once you complete the certification, we submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Georgia), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
You will receive this email from "Element LMS" when your permanent certificate is ready for download in approximately 7-10 business days.
Treat your card like a driver’s license, and ensure it is easily accessible to show to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials. You can either print it and store it in your wallet or keep a digital copy on your phone. Keep it safe, as you’ll need to show proof of certification when applying for a new hunting license or if requested by a game warden in the field.
Where to buy your Georgia Hunting License
As soon as you receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate from completing our course, you are eligible to go and buy your hunting license in whichever states you plan on legally hunting in.
To hunt in Georgia, you can purchase your license either online through the Go Outdoors Georgia platform or in person through a licensed agent. A comprehensive list of authorized in-person license agents is available on the Go Outdoors Georgia Agent Locator.
Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in Georgia:
- Bass Pro Shops – Macon, GA Address: 500 Bass Pro Blvd, Macon, GA 31210 Phone: (478) 757-7600
- Walmart Supercenter – Atlanta, GA Address: 835 Martin Luther King Jr Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 Phone: (404) 460-6177
- Academy Sports + Outdoors – Augusta, GA Address: 4210 Washington Rd, Evans, GA 30809 Phone: (706) 210-6100
- Dick's Sporting Goods – Savannah, GA Address: 7400 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: (912) 356-7000
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Social Circle, GA Address: 2067 US Highway 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025 Phone: (770) 918-6408
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Contact Information: Phone: (800) 366-2661 Website: georgiawildlife.com
Leveling Up: Your Next Steps
Having a Hunter Education Certificate opens many doors outside of simply purchasing a hunting license, including opportunities in firearm hunting and wildlife conservation.
All states accept our online-only Hunter Education Course if you're an adult and 17 or older.
Some insurance companies, including those offering ATV insurance, provide discounts for hunter safety education graduates.
Additional courses—like advanced archery, bowhunting, basic hunter-trapper education, or advanced hunter-trapper education—are available if you are interested in expanding your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lose my GA hunter education certificate?
The Georgia Game Commission allows you to reprint your certificate from their online portal anytime for free. It’s smart to make a backup digital copy.
How early should I sign up for the hunter education course before hunting season?
Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall.
How much does it cost to get your Hunter Education Certificate?
$29. We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major credit cards, and signature debit cards. We also offer a 100% money-back guarantee.