The hunter education course instills in students the knowledge, skill and attitude to be a responsible and safe hunter. The basic course consists of 10 lessons during a minimum of 10 hours.
Students learn how hunting accidents are caused and how they can be prevented.
Hunter responsibility and safety are stressed throughout the classes, which consist of lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, practical exercises, and individual study and activity assignments. Hunter education graduates receive a certificate that is accepted in every state, Canadian Province, and Mexico. For Wisconsin residents, a Wisconsin certificate is valid in lieu of a small game hunting license from the date of issuance until March 31 of the following year. Wisconsin law requires anyone under the age of 16 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 while hunting or using a firearm for any purpose. However, young people who complete the hunter education course and receive a certificate are eligible to hunt and use firearms without supervision at age 14.