Hunter safety is important because it's proven to prevent accidents, promote ethical and legal hunting, support wildlife conservation, enhance skills and responsibility among hunters, and maintain positive public perception, a concept often introduced in basic hunter-trapper education and reinforced through safety classes, including participation in a field day experience.
Oregon requires all hunters under the age of 18 to complete a hunter safety education course before hunting in the state. Upon completion, students will receive their Hunter Safety certification.
Hunters over 18 are encouraged to take an online education course, as it may be required for out-of-state hunts. If you are an adult 17 years or older, HunterSafetyUSA can help you get certified for these out-of-state hunts.
3 Easy Steps to Get Your OR Hunting License
- Step 1: Complete a hunter safety education course
- Step 2: Print or save your temporary certificate for immediate use
- Step 3: You can now go buy your hunting license in OR
Step 1: Hunter Safety Course for Oregon Hunters
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) offers two options for getting your certificate:
- In-person conventional course tailored for youth. This consists of 14-16 hours of immersive classroom instruction spread over multiple sessions, includes a multiple-choice written exam and a Field Day consisting of live-fire exercises, ethical hunting practices, and a hands-on evaluation of safe firearm handling.
- Or an online hunter safety course through an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) approved partner. Youth who complete the online Hunter Safety Education course must bring proof of completion to the Field Day. This will also require that you register for a Field Day. This includes a multiple-choice written exam, live-fire exercises, ethical hunting practices, and a hands-on evaluation of safe firearm handling.
Alternatively, if you are an adult 17 years or older, HunterSafetyUSA can help you obtain certification for out-of-state hunts. We are an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person or field day requirements are required for our course.
Step 2: Getting your Hunter Education Certification
After completing a course you’ll receive your Hunter Education Certificate. You're now ready to purchase your first Oregon hunting license!
Treat your card like a driver’s license. You can either print it and store it in your wallet or keep a digital copy on your phone.
Keep it safe, as you’ll need to show proof of certification when applying for a new hunting license or if requested by a game warden from the Fish and Game Department in the field.
Step 3: Where to buy your Oregon Hunting License
To hunt in Oregon, you can purchase your license either online through the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife's (ODFW) licensing platform or in person through a licensed agent. A comprehensive list of authorized in-person license agents is available here.
Why is Hunter Safety Important?
Hunter safety is important for several reasons, whether you're a bowhunter or using firearms:
- Prevents Accidents and Injuries: Proper training, including basic hunter-trapper education, in firearm handling, safe shooting practices, and hunting techniques significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental shootings and other hunting-related injuries.
- Ensures Ethical Hunting: Hunter safety education promotes responsible hunting ethics, including respect for wildlife, sustainable hunting practices, and adherence to laws and regulations.
- Protects Wildlife and Conservation Efforts: Responsible hunters recognize the importance of conservation and manage wildlife populations sustainably, thereby helping to preserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem balance.
- Builds Responsible and Skilled Hunters: Safety courses teach proper use, storage, and transportation of firearms, along with navigation, first aid, survival skills, and respectful interactions with other hunters, bowhunters, and landowners.
- Legal Compliance: Most regions require proof of completion of hunter safety courses to obtain hunting licenses, emphasizing legal and regulatory adherence.
- Enhances Public Perception: Safe and ethical hunting practices improve the public's perception of hunters, demonstrating responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Hunter safety, along with basic hunter-trapper, archery, bowhunter education, Oregon classes, and online courses, fosters a culture of responsibility, ethical behavior, and environmental stewardship within the hunting community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I sign up for the Oregon Hunter Safety Course before the hunting season?
Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall, turning it into a field day for hunters.