Arkansas Hunter Education Course Online
Arkansas requires all first-time hunters to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Arkansas allows you to complete the entire course online with no in-person field day required. The course is approved by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and certified by IHEA-USA. The typical cost is $19.95–$29.95.
Certification Path
Complete the entire course online. No in-person field day required.
Approving Agency
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Course Price
$19.95–$29.95
Additional Requirements
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969 must complete hunter education before purchasing a hunting license. Youth hunters must be supervised by a licensed adult.
Important Notes
Arkansas's hunter education course is fully online — no field day or in-person class is required. Your certificate never expires and is honored in all 50 states.
Quick Answer
Arkansas requires hunter education through the AGFC. You can complete the entire course online — no field day required. Online course fees are typically $19.95–$29.95.
Who Needs Hunter Education in Arkansas?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969 must complete hunter education before purchasing a hunting license.
Youth and supervision: Youth hunters must be supervised by a licensed adult.
Course Options
Arkansas allows hunters to complete their hunter education certification entirely online — no field day or in-person attendance is required. You can also choose a traditional in-person classroom course if you prefer.
| Online-Only | In-Person Classroom | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | All ages | All ages |
| Cost | $19.95–$29.95 (varies by provider) | Varies by location |
| Time | Approximately 4–6 hours | 6–10 hours |
| Field Day | Not required | Included |
| Best For | Anyone who wants to finish entirely from home | Hands-on learners who prefer in-person instruction |
How to Get Certified (Step by Step)
- Choose your course format. Arkansas allows you to complete the entire course online with no field day required. Alternatively, you can attend a traditional in-person classroom course.
- Complete the coursework. The online portion is self-paced and covers firearm safety, wildlife identification, hunting laws, ethics, and survival skills. Most students finish in 4 to 6 hours, though you can take breaks and return where you left off.
- Pass the final exam. A minimum passing score is required. Online providers generally allow retakes, so if you do not pass on the first attempt, you can review the material and try again.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate immediately. Your permanent hunter education certification will be on file with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
- Purchase your hunting license. With certification complete, purchase your Arkansas hunting license through the AGFC or at an authorized license retailer.
What the Course Covers
Every AGFC-approved hunter education course — regardless of format — covers the same core topics:
- Firearm safety and handling — safe carry positions, loading and unloading procedures, muzzle control, and secure storage practices
- Ammunition and ballistics — selecting the correct ammunition for your firearm and intended game, understanding range and trajectory
- Wildlife identification — recognizing Arkansas game species, non-game animals, and protected species to prevent misidentification in the field
- Hunting laws and regulations — Arkansas seasons, bag limits, legal hunting methods, restricted areas, and tagging requirements
- Ethics and responsible hunting — fair chase principles, landowner relations, and the hunter's role in conservation
- Survival and first aid — preparation for unexpected situations, navigation basics, and wilderness first aid fundamentals
- Treestand safety — proper setup, fall-arrest harness use, and climbing procedures
The final exam tests your understanding of these topics. It is designed to confirm competency in safe and legal hunting practices, not to trick you.
Costs and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online-only course | $19.95–$29.95 (varies by provider) |
| In-person classroom course | Varies by location |
| Replacement certificate | Free (available online through AGFC) |
Hunter education certification in Arkansas is valid for life. There is no renewal requirement and no expiration date.
Out-of-State Hunters and Reciprocity
Visiting Arkansas to hunt: If you already hold a valid, IHEA-approved hunter education certificate from any U.S. state or Canadian province, Arkansas recognizes it. You do not need to retake the course.
Using a Arkansas certificate in another state: Because Arkansas certification is IHEA-approved, it is accepted in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Since Arkansas allows fully online certification with no field day requirement, hunters from other states can complete the Arkansas course online and use the certificate in their home state through reciprocity.
For a full list of states that allow you to complete hunter education entirely online, see our complete guide to online hunter education by state.
About the Arkansas Hunter Education Program
Arkansas hunter education is administered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The program is accredited by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA), the recognized standard for hunter education across North America.
The program is federally funded in part through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which directs excise taxes on firearms and ammunition toward wildlife conservation and hunter education. Certified volunteer instructors teach courses across Arkansas each year.
Hunter Education in Neighboring States
Planning to hunt in a nearby state? Check the hunter education requirements for these neighboring states:
- Missouri Hunter Education
- Tennessee Hunter Education
- Mississippi Hunter Education
- Louisiana Hunter Education
- Texas Hunter Education
- Oklahoma Hunter Education
An IHEA-approved certificate earned in any state is accepted nationwide — see our complete guide to states with online hunter education for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my hunter education certificate in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows you to complete the entire hunter education course online. No in-person field day is required.
How much does hunter education cost in Arkansas?
The online hunter education course for Arkansas typically costs around $19.95–$29.95. This is a one-time fee and your certificate never expires.
Is my Arkansas certificate valid in other states?
Yes. IHEA-approved hunter education certificates are recognized across most U.S. states through reciprocity agreements. Once certified in Arkansas, you can typically use your certificate to hunt in other states as well.
How long does the Arkansas hunter education course take?
Most online hunter education courses take 4-6 hours to complete. You can work at your own pace, saving progress and returning whenever it's convenient.
IHEA-Approved — Valid Across the U.S. Courses must be approved by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) to be recognized nationwide.