Wisconsin · Hunter safety · 2026 Edition
Wisconsin Hunter Safety Course 2026: Cost & Online Options
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 must complete a hunter education course and have a certificate on file before buying any Wisconsin hunting license. 18 and older can certify entirely online, from $38.95.
Wisconsin's dual exemption — hunting under the Learn to Hunt mentorship program, or completed military basic training — is broader than most states' single carve-out. Like Oregon, Wisconsin charges its own flat $10 fee on top of whatever the online vendor charges, and reserves the fully-online path for hunters 18 and older; anyone younger must still attend an in-person field day even after finishing the free online units.
01 — Who needs it
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 must complete a hunter education course and have a certificate on file before buying any Wisconsin hunting license.
Exempt without a certificate if hunting under the Learn to Hunt mentorship program, or if you have proof of completed basic training in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard.
02 — Course options
| Course | Format | Who | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional classroom course | In person | Not stated | $10 | Varies by instructor |
| Free Hunter Internet + Field Day Course (under 18) | Online + field day | Under 18 | $10 | Free online units and quizzes, then a required in-person field day — Hunters 17 and under cannot use the online-only path — this hybrid route is their online option. |
| Online-only course (18 and older) | Online | 18 and older | — | Self-paced — No field day. Vendor fee plus a flat $10 DNR course fee — see below. |
A dash means WDNR publishes no set price for that route — what you pay depends on the provider you pick or on the individual class.
03 — Approved online courses, side by side
| Provider | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| hunter-ed.com | $38.95 | $28.95 course fee plus the $10 Wisconsin DNR fee. |
All of these are approved by WDNR and produce the same certificate, so the cheapest one certifies you just as well — hunter-ed.com at $38.95.
04 — Your certificate, and other states
Wisconsin hunter education certification does not expire.
Wisconsin accepts hunter education certification earned in other states.
Wisconsin does not require bowhunter education; the DNR offers an optional bow/crossbow safety course through the same safety-education channel.
05 — Where to register
Courses are booked through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Find and register for a Wisconsin course →
Got your certificate? Next step: Wisconsin hunting license costs and permits →
Everything else we track for the state: Wisconsin hunting seasons →
Looking for somewhere to hunt? Wisconsin public hunting land — WMAs by county & access rules →
FAQ
Can I take the Wisconsin hunter safety course online?
Yes. 18 and older can certify entirely online, from $38.95. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 must complete a hunter education course and have a certificate on file before buying any Wisconsin hunting license.
Is there a free hunter safety course in Wisconsin?
Every WDNR-approved online provider charges a fee; the cheapest is hunter-ed.com at $38.95. In-person courses run by the agency itself are often free — see the formats above.
How much does the Wisconsin hunter safety course cost?
Approved online providers run from $38.95 (hunter-ed.com). They all produce the same certificate, so the cheapest one certifies you just as well. Prices are set by the providers and change without notice — the table above was read on Aug 12, 2026.
How long does the Wisconsin hunter safety course take?
The online course runs self-paced. That is course content, not a deadline — how many sittings you spread it over is up to you.
Verified · Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · Last verified 2026-08-12
Publisher's note. Requirements and course fees read from WDNR, retrieved 2026-08-12. Review due 2027-08-01. Course providers set their own prices and change them without notice — confirm before you pay.