How Much Does Hunter Education Cost?
Online hunter education is inexpensive — most states charge a flat fee between about $15 and $35, and many charge nothing until you pass. The course itself takes most people 4–6 hours and is self-paced. Compare the major providers and see the typical cost for your state below.
Your Course Options
- Recademics — our partner course in supported states; self-paced, mobile-friendly, and typically pay-after-you-pass. This is the course we recommend wherever it's available.
- Official state agency courses — every state's wildlife agency offers or approves a hunter education course. Cost is set per state, usually a flat fee charged only after you pass.
- Free options — some states offer a free online or in-person course directly through the wildlife agency.
Prices are set by each state and change over time. Always confirm the current fee on your state's official course page before paying.
Typical Cost by State
| State | Typical Cost | Field Day |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $19.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Alaska | $19.95–$34.95 | Required |
| Arizona | $19.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Arkansas | $19.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| California | $24.95–$34.95 | Required |
| Colorado | $19.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Connecticut | $19.95–$34.95 | Required |
| Delaware | $19.95–$34.95 | Required |
| Florida | $19.95–$34.95 | Required |
| Georgia | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Hawaii | $24.95–$29.95 | Required |
| Idaho | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Illinois | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Indiana | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Iowa | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Kansas | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Kentucky | $24.95–$29.95 | Required |
| Louisiana | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Maine | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Maryland | $24.95–$29.95 | Required |
| Massachusetts | $24.95–$29.95 | Required |
| Michigan | $24.95–$29.95 | Required |
| Minnesota | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Mississippi | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Missouri | $24.95–$29.95 | Not required |
| Montana | $24.50 | Not required |
| Nebraska | $24.95 | Not required |
| Nevada | $24.95 | Not required |
| New Hampshire | $24.95 | Required |
| New Jersey | $24.95 | Required |
| New Mexico | $24.95 | Not required |
| New York | $24.95 | Not required |
| North Carolina | $24.95 | Not required |
| North Dakota | $24.95 | Required |
| Ohio | $24.95 | Not required |
| Oklahoma | $24.95 | Not required |
| Oregon | $24.95 | Not required |
| Pennsylvania | $24.95 | Not required |
| Rhode Island | $29.50 | Required |
| South Carolina | $24.95 | Not required |
| South Dakota | $24.95 | Not required |
| Tennessee | $24.95 | Not required |
| Texas | $24.95 | Not required |
| Utah | $29.50 | Required |
| Vermont | $24.95 | Not required |
| Virginia | $24.95 | Not required |
| Washington | $29.50 | Required |
| West Virginia | $29.50 | Required |
| Wisconsin | $24.95 | Not required |
| Wyoming | $29.50 | Required |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the online hunter safety course cost?
Most states charge a flat fee of roughly $15–$35 for the online hunter education course, and many providers only charge you after you pass the final exam. Some states offer a free option through their wildlife agency.
How long does hunter education take?
The online course takes most people about 4–6 hours and is self-paced, so you can start and stop as needed. States that require an in-person field day add a separate session, usually a few hours on a single day.
Is there a free hunter education course?
Some states offer free in-person classroom courses through their wildlife agency, and a few offer free online options. Check your state page for the current options.
Find your state's course or compare requirements across all 50 states.