Hunter Education
NOTICE: Anyone younger than 16 years old needs to complete an in-person Field Day (included in the in-person HuntSAFE class).
In-person HuntSAFE classes and Field Days are primarily scheduled during the spring and summer months across the state. In-person class options become limited during the fall and are not scheduled during the winter so don’t wait to register for a class! If you would like to request a class, please contact your local Conservation Officer or HuntSAFE Instructor.
For questions about the HuntSAFE program and information on becoming a HuntSAFE instructor, please contact Brandon Maahs via email or by phone at 605.280.3782
HuntSAFE or Bowhunter Education Replacement Cards
HuntSAFE Information
This free, classroom-style course allows students to participate in multiple in-person sessions; providing participants with knowledge and skills relative to hunting and hunter safety.
To be eligible for certification, students must:
- Be present and participate in all the required sessions.
- Attend all scheduled course meetings. No absences will be accepted.
- Pass a written test at the end of the course. Students are also evaluated on their skills and attitude throughout the course.
- Demonstrate what they have learned about firearms safety. Most courses include a live-fire exercise, under the close supervision of instructors.
HuntSAFE courses are required for persons age 12 through 15. Participants of all ages are welcome.
Persons who are 11 may participate, but will not be issued a HuntSAFE certification card until their 12th birthday, unless the card is clearly marked that the card is not valid until the person's 12th birthday.
Exception: If a student's 12th birthday falls on or between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, he/she may be issued a card and is eligible to obtain a license and hunt beginning Sept. 1 of that year.
Students who successfully complete a HuntSAFE course receive an identification card containing their name, date of certification, a certification number and the signature of the instructor. Until the student is 16, a parent or guardian must present the HuntSAFE certification card to a license agent when purchasing the young person's hunting license.
HuntSAFE Class Schedule
HuntSAFE Online Class Information
All self-paced online courses are available to anyone 11 and older.
Anyone younger than 16 will need to complete a field day after the completion of an online course to receive their HuntSAFE certification. After successful completion of the online course, print off a copy of the Field Day Voucher and give it to the HuntSAFE instructor at an in-person Field Day. A schedule of in-person classes can be found here.
Anyone 16 and older will receive their HuntSAFE certification after completing one of these online Independent Study Courses.
These Independent Study HuntSAFE courses are blended learning courses where a student completes their coursework online at their own pace and as their schedule allows. The courses feature English and Spanish voice narrations and realistic illustrations.The level of interaction the student has with the course depends on the course. The I Learn to Hunt course is our most interactive online course option.
Online Course Options (pick one):
- Hunter Ed
- Interactive I Learn to Hunt Course
- NRA Online Hunter Education course
- No cost
- After entering course website, scroll down to the South Dakota course and click “Start”.
*Only students younger than 16 years old need to complete an in-person field day
Contact the HuntSAFE Coordinator, Brandon Maahs, with questions at Brandon.Maahs@state.sd.us or 605.280.3782.
Bowhunter Education
Start or view the online course. Classroom courses are usually scheduled January - September by volunteer instructors.
*Bowhunter Education is no longer required to archery hunt in the state of South Dakota.
The online course option teaches safety in-the-field, bowhunting basics, shot placement and recovery techniques through easy-to-understand information, instructional videos and detailed illustrations. This course allows the student to study for free, paying $30 upon passing the course. The student must create an account and register before taking the course. A certificate of completion will be provided for the student to print after completing the course. Cards will not be mailed to the student.
HuntSAFE Bowhunter Education Instructor Login
Continued Hunting Safety Education
The IHEA courses found here do not substitute your current HuntSAFE course, but rather are available for additional learning.
