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Do I need hunter safety education to hunt in Oregon?
If you are a new hunter age 17 or younger, yes, unless you hunt on land owned by a parent or legal guardian or take part in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program. The conventional classroom course costs $10. The online route adds an in-person field day for youth.
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The rule, fact by fact
- Who needs it
- New hunters age 17 and younger, unless an exception appliesODFW names two ways out: hunting on land a parent or legal guardian owns, or taking part in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program.
- Verified. myodfw.com (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
- Cost
- $10This is the fee for the classroom course, which runs 14-16 hours and includes a field day with a live fire exercise.
- Same source and date as above
- Online accepted
- Online course (about 6 hours) plus an in-person field day for youthYouth can't finish online alone. The online price depends on the course provider, and the field day fee is $10.
- Same source and date as above
- Adults
- Adults need no in-person field dayODFW says adults receive a hunter safety certificate when they finish the adult online course.
- Same source and date as above
How to get it done
Step 1. Check your age and your plans. The course is required for a new hunter age 17 or younger, unless the youth hunts on land owned by a parent or legal guardian or takes part in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program.
Step 2. Pick one of two formats. The conventional course is taught in person and costs $10. The other is one ODFW approved online course, priced by its provider, plus an in-person field day for youth. ODFW lists the approved online courses.
Step 3. Register for a class or field day in ODFW's event listings. The field day has a live fire exercise and a hands-on check of safe firearms handling.
Step 4. Carry your card when you hunt. Youth must have a valid hunter safety education card in the field, either a temporary or a permanent one that ODFW issued. Adults receive a certificate once they finish the adult online course.
Before you pay
ODFW does not refund class fees, so check your date before you register.
The online course price depends on the provider, and we haven't confirmed a price for any of them. Read the provider's page before you pay.
Questions
Why would an adult take the course anyway?
ODFW recommends it for any adult new to hunting, and as a refresher for experienced hunters, because other states may require it for out of state hunts.
Can a youth buy a license before finishing the course?
Yes. ODFW lets youth buy a license and apply for a controlled hunt first, to meet deadlines. They must finish the course before hunting on their own tag or validation.
Is a young child ready for the course?
Often not. ODFW says children under age 9 often have a difficult time comprehending the material, and younger students may lack the strength to control the muzzle direction during live fire drills.
What to do next
Match your age and your hunting plans to ODFW's rule, then pick a class or an approved online course on ODFW's registration page.