Kansas Hunter Education teaches new hunters to be ethical, safe and knowledgeable. The course consists of subjects covering hunter responsibility, ethics, fair chase, history of firearms, firearms basics, ammunition, basic gun safety, field safety, bowhunting, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife of Kansas, outdoor emergencies, Kansas hunting regulations and boating safety for hunters. Where possible, students may live fire and/or go through simulated hunting conditions.

The traditional hunter education course is organized and conducted by volunteer instructors across the state. By law, the course must be a minimum of 10 hours in length. Most courses average 12 hours of instruction over two or more days. Courses are offered throughout the year with the majority being conducted in the months spanning August through October. Click here for a current schedule of all courses being offered throughout the state. Note: If no courses appear under the link to a specific region, no courses are currently scheduled for that region.

Protecting our hunting heritage through safe, knowledgeable and responsible hunters.

The Hybrid Course format is designed to create flexibility with learning styles and flexibility with a shorter field day. The program is designed to cover the information you need to know before going hunting – the same information delivered in the traditional classroom format. Like the traditional course, there is no required fee to take the online course. This class is open to all students 11 years of age and older.

Please complete the online course prior to registration for field day. Proof of online course completion is required by either a screenshot or printout of the field day qualifier certificate.

This hybrid method is a three-part process that requires completion of the Kansas online hunter education course, pre-registration in a hybrid field day, AND successful completion of a hybrid field day.

Part 1: Complete the FREE Kansas / NRA online hunter education course.

Within 365 days prior to the Hybrid field day, you must complete the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks (KDWP) free course at ksoutdoors.com or click on the Kansas Hunter Education logo below.

Once on the NRA online training portal, you will scroll down to the Kansas course. Click “start” to begin your class. Be prepared to spend at least 7 hours on the online portion of the class. Once complete you will be presented with a Field Day Qualifier Certificate, screenshot or print this and show proof at registration on the day of the hybrid field day.

Part 2:

Register for a Hybrid Hunter Education Field Day.

· Once you have completed the online portion of the class, you have 365 days to register and successfully complete the field day portion. · Click here for a current schedule of all courses being offered throughout the state.

· Click here for a current schedule of all courses being offered throughout the state.

Part 3: Attend the selected hybrid hunter education field day.

To complete the course, you must attend a hybrid field day. Upon arrival at the selected hybrid field day, you must demonstrate proof of completion of the online course with a screenshot or printed certificate. The field day will be a minimum of 4 hours and is determined by the lead instructor.

Attending the last day of a 10 hour traditional instructor-led course does not qualify as a hybrid field day.

This online Hunter Education Course is provided FREE to all Kansas residents by the NRA, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Kansas Hunter Education.

This course is only for students aged 18 and over. Upon successful completion of this course, students aged 18 and older will be issued a final hunter education certificate and hunter education card that can be printed from a computer.

Students under the age of 18 need to refer to the Traditional or Internet-Assisted Course for instructions on completing hunter education.

The Kansas Hunter Education in Our Schools Program provides students with basic outdoor skills that can be applied throughout their lives.  

Student learning objectives

Following the completion of the Kansas Hunter Education Course, the student will be able to:

• Define the hunter's "Right to Hunt" and understand that their "right" can still be revoked. 
• Understand their responsibilities as sportsmen and women
• Demonstrate how to present a positive public image
• Describe the difference between state regulated hunting laws and a hunter's ethics
• Demonstrate safe firearms handling 
• Understand and identify the many types of firearms and actions, types of ammunition and the correct usage
• Know how to practice safe firearms cleaning and storage in the home
• Describe the basic principles of wildlife management 
• define habitat, carrying capacity, predator and prey
• Identify the differences between conservation and preservation 
• Understand how hunters are the best conservation tool in wildlife management

Identify common upland game birds, migratory birds, small game and big game

State the Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety

Demonstrate safe zone of fire and appropriate carrying methods

The Kansas Hunter Education in Our Schools Program fits several school curriculum standards

• Science in Personal and Environmental Perspective
• Civics-Government
• Kansas, United States and World History
• Physical Education

Contact: Stacy Hageman; dave.foster@ks.gov; 620-672-5911

All classes are listed on this website as soon as they are scheduled by the volunteer instructors. The volunteer instructors set the dates and locations for their classes. The majority of classes are held from August to October, the period of peak demand. There are also a good number of classes offered in early spring prior to the turkey season. There are very few classes offered between November and February. Please keep checking regularly to find a class that fits your schedule.

CLICK ON THE COUNTY AND TOWN NAME TO FIND REGISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE CLASS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING.