North Dakota Hunter Education Course Online
North Dakota requires all first-time hunters to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. In North Dakota, you must complete an online course and attend an in-person field day. The course is approved by North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and certified by IHEA-USA. The typical cost is $24.95.
Certification Path
Online course + in-person field day required.
Age Requirements
Minimum age: 12 years old.
Approving Agency
North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF)
Course Price
$24.95
Additional Requirements
Hunter education is required for all first-time hunters in North Dakota. Students must be at least 12 years old to enroll. Youth hunters under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult while hunting. A parent or guardian signature is required for students under 18.
Important Notes
The online course alone does NOT certify you in North Dakota. All students must attend a mandatory in-person field day to receive their certificate. Your certificate is valid for life and recognized nationwide.
Quick Answer
North Dakota requires hunter education through the NDGF. All students must complete an online course and attend a mandatory in-person field day. Course fees are typically $24.95.
Who Needs Hunter Education in North Dakota?
Hunter education is required for all first-time hunters in North Dakota.
Students must be at least 12 years old to enroll.
Youth and supervision: Youth hunters under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult while hunting.
Students must be at least 12 years old to enroll in a hunter education course in North Dakota.
Course Options
North Dakota requires all hunter education students to attend an in-person field day. You can complete the classroom portion online before attending the field day, or take the entire course in person.
Important: The online course alone does not certify you in North Dakota. You must attend a mandatory field day to receive your certification.
| Online + Field Day | In-Person Classroom | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | 12 and older | 12 and older |
| Cost | $24.95 online + field day fee | Varies by location |
| Time | 4–6 hours online + field day | 6–10 hours |
| Field Day | Required | Included |
| Best For | Study online at your own pace, then attend a shorter field day | Hands-on learners who prefer in-person instruction |
How to Get Certified (Step by Step)
- Choose your course format. You can complete the classroom portion online and then attend a mandatory field day, or take the entire course in person. Either way, a field day is required in North Dakota.
- 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.
- Attend the mandatory field day. Register for a field day through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The session includes hands-on skills practice, a live-fire exercise, and a written exam. Bring your online completion certificate and any required safety equipment.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate immediately. Your permanent hunter education certification will be on file with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF).
- Purchase your hunting license. With certification complete, purchase your North Dakota hunting license through the NDGF or at an authorized license retailer.
What the Course Covers
Every NDGF-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 North Dakota game species, non-game animals, and protected species to prevent misidentification in the field
- Hunting laws and regulations — North Dakota 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 + field day course | $24.95 online + field day fee |
| In-person classroom course | Varies by location |
| Replacement certificate | Free (available online through NDGF) |
Hunter education certification in North Dakota is valid for life. There is no renewal requirement and no expiration date.
Out-of-State Hunters and Reciprocity
Visiting North Dakota to hunt: If you already hold a valid, IHEA-approved hunter education certificate from any U.S. state or Canadian province, North Dakota recognizes it. You do not need to retake the course.
Using a North Dakota certificate in another state: Because North Dakota certification is IHEA-approved, it is accepted in every U.S. state and Canadian province through reciprocity.
Note that North Dakota requires a field day for all students. If you prefer to complete your hunter education entirely online, several other states offer online-only certification that is valid nationwide through reciprocity. See our guide to online hunter education by state for options.
About the North Dakota Hunter Education Program
North Dakota hunter education is administered by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF). 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 North Dakota each year.
Hunter Education in Neighboring States
Planning to hunt in a nearby state? Check the hunter education requirements for these neighboring states:
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 North Dakota?
You'll need to complete an IHEA-approved online course and attend an in-person field day. The online portion covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting laws specific to North Dakota.
How much does hunter education cost in North Dakota?
The online hunter education course for North Dakota typically costs around $24.95. This is a one-time fee and your certificate never expires.
Is my North Dakota certificate valid in other states?
Yes. IHEA-approved hunter education certificates are recognized across most U.S. states through reciprocity agreements. Once certified in North Dakota, you can typically use your certificate to hunt in other states as well.
How long does the North Dakota 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.
What is the minimum age for hunter education in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires students to be at least 12 years old to take the hunter education course.
IHEA-Approved — Valid Across the U.S. Courses must be approved by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) to be recognized nationwide.