California Hunter Education Program

In a continued effort to reduce firearm accidents, the State of California requires all first time resident hunters, regardless of age, to complete hunter education training or pass a comprehensive equivalency test before purchasing a hunting license.

The California Department of Fish and Game conducts training throughout the state. Each year approximately 30,000 students complete the state’s ten-hour minimum hunter education course. Statistics show hunter education training is a success.

Hunting accidents of all types have declined substantially since the start of the program. The California Hunter Safety Program began on January 1, 1954 with the passage of the Davis-Abshire Hunter Safety Training Law. The initial law required all junior hunters to take a Hunter Safety Class prior to obtaining their first hunting license.

 

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This agency receives federal funds. Under federal law, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin or handicap. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility of this agency, contact the Equal Opportunity Officer, California Department of Fish and Game. 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC, 20240.