Kentucky has a new way to complete hunter education. CertifiedHunter’s Kentucky course is live, which means you can now complete the online portion of your Kentucky hunter education training at home, at your own pace, and then finish with a single in person Range Day through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).
If you have been putting off getting certified because you could not give up a full day or two for a classroom course, this removes that barrier. Here is exactly how it works, who needs it, and what to expect at each step.
Who needs hunter education in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 who is age 12 or older. You must have your hunter education card in your possession while hunting, along with the appropriate Kentucky hunting license.
A few useful details around that rule:
- Hunters younger than 12 are exempt from the requirement, but they may only hunt while accompanied by an adult who has completed hunter education.
- You can start the course at age 9, so younger hunters can complete the coursework early and be ready when they turn 12.
- The requirement applies whether you are a Kentucky resident or visiting from another state to hunt here.
- Kentucky recognizes hunter education certification completed in other states, so if you are already certified elsewhere, you do not need to take the Kentucky course.
- If you want to try hunting before committing to the full course, Kentucky offers a one time Hunter Education Exemption Permit, which allows one year of hunting under the supervision of a certified adult. It is a good way to get a first season in, but it is not a substitute for certification.
The four steps to certification
1. Complete the online course
The online course covers the same material as the traditional classroom course: safe firearm handling, hunting ethics and laws, wildlife identification and conservation, and responsible hunting practices. It is built to IHEA-USA standards, and CertifiedHunter is accredited by IHEA-USA and approved by KDFWR.
You study anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Your progress is saved automatically, so you can work through it in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Most students finish the online portion in a few hours.
2. Pass the online exam
At the end of the course you take the official online exam. Pass it and you receive your Certificate of Completion for the online portion of your training. Print it and keep it safe. You will need it for the next step.
Passing the online exam does not complete your certification. Kentucky requires one in person step for every hunter, and that step is the Range Day.
3. Register for a Kentucky Range Day
With your Certificate of Completion in hand, register for a Kentucky Hunter Education Range Day through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Range Days are held around the state, so look for one near you and sign up early, especially in the weeks before a season opener, when seats fill quickly.
4. Attend Range Day and get certified
Bring your Certificate of Completion to your Range Day. The session runs about four to six hours and includes Kentucky specific regulations, a review of safe handling, and a live fire exercise supervised by KDFWR instructors. All firearms and ammunition are provided at no charge, so you do not need to bring your own.
Complete the Range Day and you have earned your Kentucky hunter education certification. After your Range Day, KDFWR issues your permanent hunter education certificate. Your certification is good for life. It never expires and never needs to be renewed.
Questions new Kentucky hunters ask
Is the online course enough by itself?
No. Kentucky requires the in person Range Day for everyone, no matter your age or experience. The online course replaces the classroom, not the live fire requirement.
How long does the whole process take?
The online portion takes most students a few hours, spread over as many days as you like. The Range Day is a single session of about four to six hours. The main variable is Range Day availability near you, which is one more reason to finish the online portion early rather than the week before you want to hunt.
What should I bring to Range Day?
Your printed Certificate of Completion, weather appropriate clothing for time spent outdoors, and yourself. Firearms and ammunition are provided free of charge.
Does my certification work in other states?
Yes. Hunter education certification is recognized across the United States through reciprocity between states, and Kentucky certification is no exception. Complete it once and you are covered wherever you hunt.
What if I fail the online exam?
You study the material again and retake it. The goal of the course is that you actually learn the material, not that you get filtered out by a single test attempt.
Start now, hunt this season
Fall seasons are underway in Kentucky, and every week you wait is a week closer to the days you actually want to be in the field. The online portion is the longest piece of the process, and it is the piece you can start today, from your couch, at your pace.
Get started here: https://certifiedhunter.com/united-states/kentucky
Safe, Legal, Responsible. That is the standard, and it starts with getting certified.